A soul that is reluctant to share does not as a rule have much of its own. Miserliness is here a symptom of meagerness.  --Eric Hoffer (19021983), U.S. philosopher

As summer annually fails us for autumn, and as flowers fade at our feet, it strikes me that our eyes are uplifted to the trees and perhaps our souls are lifted towards eternity. Leaves of golds and ambers beckon us to look up, forget the predictable details of summer, and dwell in years end to be reminded that life is a simple circle.

...and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. --Solomon (circa 935 B.C.) Ecclesiastes 12: 7

This time of the year is good for the soul. Its good to know that the end of a years journey is crowned with beauty and lifted spirits amid the reminders that the circle is closing. Its a powerful picture of lives well lived and well ended. Its good for my soul.

A birth is good for the soul. Michelle gave birth to our daughter, Elsa, four weeks ago. To watch the miracle of birth from the safe position of the father is almost surreal. Nothing this dangerous would be this thrilling if we werent brought so near creation itself in the process. The Creator provides a fresh soul for the circle and our tired souls are lifted.

And I like babies breath. Not the filler greenery they put in floral arrangements so we dont have to pay for as many flowers. No, the breath thats good for the soul comes in small wisps after yawns of newborns. Sweet, soothing, new. You have to bring your face close to a baby to catch the essence and smell. My wife thinks Im strange for this but its worth it. Catch a babys yawn whenever you can.

Our son, Collin, has never been a good sleeper. But Elsa is a glorious sleeper. To see her lying peacefully with the even breaths of sleep causing her small chest to rise and fall while her big brother is dancing on bubble wrap just beyond the arc of her swing is good for my soul.

Small town living is good for the soul in my estimation. To see the same faces of the same people every day would be monotonous to some but its a comfort to me. I like stability. I like waving at the same people I waved at yesterday. I like having a good idea of who will be bagging my groceries or of who will be behind the desk at the library.

And speaking of libraries, the guy who is always break-dancing on the front sidewalk is good for my soul. Put it on the line and let people think what they want.

Albert Chastain decorating an entire block for Christmas is good for my soul. Thanks Albert.

The Colts beating the Patriots is very good for my soul. Thanks Peyton.

Looking out my living room window to see Ray Simons walking through his yard is good for my soul.

Its good for my soul to be leaving our churchs parking lot and to return a wave from Pastor Epley as he leaves his house, probably driving to his churchs building. Christians living together in peace and unity. I seem to remember someone very important praying for that while He was here on earth.

Godly parents, great in-laws, faithful friends, talented co-workers, a good book, the magic of music, crunchy peanut butter, pepperoni pizza, rainy evenings, trees touched with golds and ambers My soul could go on and on.

How about you? Whats good for your soul?  Write me. Really. Write me and tell me whats good for your soul. I want to know. Maybe I can borrow a secret from you.

Look up. Ponder. Contemplate. What stirs you? Let it be something. Take some time to be sentimental. Consider the circle, creation and eternity. Itll be good for your soul.