A Falling Leaf

September 15, 2013

We are so blessed to live in New England! God graces us every Autumn with His glorious paintbrush of yellows, oranges and reds. I love driving this time of year to somewhere and marveling at the colors that are just peeping through the green. I gaze at the trees and watch leaves being gently carried away by the wind. They fall to the ground to form a colorful carpet, just waiting for the winter snows to cover them up.

Life is so much like the falling leaf in Autumn. In the spring a leaf is born and lives out its life throughout the summer. It brings life to the wood of the tree and shelter to those creatures that live in the tree. As the wood of the tree starts to hibernate and prepares itself for the long winter months the leaf begins to die… but not before turning brilliant colors and bringing God’s artistry to our attention. The leaf will eventually be carried to the ground by the wind. During the winter the leaf will bring nutrients to the soil thus giving new life to the forest.

This is much like our lives. Like the leaf we are born into this world. We live out our lives bringing life to our family, our friends and our community. Eventually it will be time to pass on to the next life. A dying leaf brings us brilliance and hope in new life… A dying loved one brings us closer to Jesus as He shines His light through a withering life. Our loved one may be passing from this life and we will miss the person that was… but, we must remember, in dying, a person can bring new life those left in this world. 

This month and next look around at the fall foliage… give thanks to God for all its wonder. Pick up a leaf and admire its intricacies and color. Then close your eyes and reflect upon a lost loved one, and think of how he or she made the world brighter for you… and always remember through death we are given new life… life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God Bless, Holly Clark