Champagne region of France

As we drive from Paris to the quiet village areas of Reims, it truly feels like change is in the air—Autumn arrived while we were busy seeing the sights of Paris.

Rolling hills of gold and auburn grape leaves; perfect “spent” rows awaiting their next phase of champagne development; the dormant months when sap returns to the roots of each grapevine; a parallel to my life phase.

The realization of God’s timing; His wisdom in providing phases for His creations; His all knowing, all encompassing grace surrounds me. It is my autumn too. Everything and every one around me is changing colors and falling away from my own vine of life. I am afraid of what will be left yet at the same time, I am willing to be stripped away of all that covers the real me.  I see him in nature; I see him in the changing seasons.

And, as silly as it might seem, there is much I’ve learned in the champagne bottles and the houses that create them. Jesus is my maker, I belong to the House of the Lord. He cradles me; He gives me a label and box so all can see who I am on the outside.  Yet, inside this bottle called “Debra”, only He and I know me well. I’ve been pouring myself out in unnecessary ways and for those I’ve chosen to give my essence to—friends, children and mates, each receiving a portion of who I am. Now that I am almost empty, I await God to either refill me on this journey or allow my life to come to an end. It is the winemakers choice and I am finally willing.

Psalm 46:10, “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”