There’s a tree that sits on the edge of my neighbor’s yard. I watch it all year round as it is stunningly beautiful in every season.
This fall it has been slowly speaking to my heart, as slowly as its leaves have turned their color. The turning was subtle, a few leaves at a time. A few more each day until I realized, yes indeed, they were making the transition and getting ready for the drop.
They turned yellow from the outer edges with those closest to the trunk still holding their green. They rustle ever so sweetly when the wind blows. In the late afternoon sunlight, they glisten and brilliantly reflect the light shining on them.
As the days have passed, this little tree has brought three messages:
- Change, aka transformation, happens over time. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.“ (Philippians 1:6, NASB). God works in us over the course of our entire lives. We change over the course of time, a little at a time, as we submit to His hand molding us.
- We go from glory to glory. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NASB). The process of change makes us more and more like Christ. As He works in our lives, we become more like Him.
- We can reflect the light even on the darkest of days. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NASB). The little leaves glisten in the sunlight and yet, even in the recent dark and rainy days, they have reflected the small amount of daylight in a most spectacular manner.
Soon the little tree will drop all of its leaves and remain bare until the next season of new growth. But that will occur in the right, and appointed, time.
Just like us – we let go of things as the Lord works in our lives. When the time comes, we know when the time has come to let go, move on, and move forward.
“For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT)
We are all prone to fail, fall, and disappoint others. How are we to handle it when a a leader or someone we admire falls? In her article, 5 Things to Remember When Fellow Christians Fall, Ashley Rowland brings her wisdom for our consideration.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
Joanne, what a lovely post. I so appreciate the lessons you’ve shared from the tree. They so fit my life right now. I especially need to remember that change””in me, in our sons, in circumstances””DO happen over time. I need to give grace for God’s timing and not try to rush things or “help” things along before God’s perfect timing says, “Yes, now.”
I am grateful if any of these words encouraged you, Jeanne. I still have my eyes on the little tree, even as I am typing 🙂 Somehow, it fills me with peace as it brings the words, “Not yet.” Our God truly has His hands on it all!
Joanne, what a much-needed reminder about life happening in God’s timing. I loved the lessons you learned as you watched the Autumn leaves change colors on the tree. The beauty enriches both the eyes and the soul. Your post also shows that you paused your daily activities to rest and drink in the beauty God was creating. If I don’t stop rushing from one activity to another, I will miss the beauty God has on display to draw us closer to Himself.
Thank you, Joanne, for this warm Autumn touch.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis, your wisdom brought a smile this morning. Sometimes the daily pause is the most active thing we can do. Amazing!
Beautiful post, Joanne filled with the love of a God who makes all things beautiful in His time.
Beautiful message. Have a blessed day!
Joanne, those are lovely lessons of hope. I love this time of year.
Joanne, I love your lessons. How wonderful that God brought them to you through the glory of His creation.💖
What a good reminder that change is a fact of life, but it’s usually gradual. How we need patience when waiting on an answer to prayer or when we want to see growth in our lives or others.
Thank you for this beautiful reflection today, Joanne, on God’s beauty and on His faithfulness in transforming us into His image. I needed this reminder today.
Joanne, this was such a treasure for me to have read today. Your words tender heartedly spoke to my soul. This is so accurate of us as we grow in our relationship with God. There is a time for every season for sure. In his time we let go and grow. From glory to glory sweet friend.
Visiting today from #7
We have a Jacaranda tree in our backyard Joanne & at present it has lost all of it’s leaves & is covered in tiny buds that are just beginning to open.
It will give the most beautiful display of lavender flowers & then as they drop a carpet of lavender appears on the lawn. Truly magnificent.
I have often thought & posted the spiritual lessons this majestic tree gives each season
Thank you for this lovely post today.
Blessings, Jennifer
Hi Joanne!
Your bullet point that resonated the most with me was the third one:
We can reflect the light even on the darkest of days. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NASB).
I love that! As I have been facing a change in my life, I am praying Christ’s Light shines through me. Thanks for the confirmation today!
Blessings, Jo
God seems to often use nature to speak to my heart. This was a beautiful way of Him impressing truth upon yours. Enjoy looking at the leaves–we will have new beauty soon of bare trees lined with snow…and new things to learn.
I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you to know I loved this post, Joanne! Especially the part about reflecting the light even on the darkest days … I’m so thankful for that. I’ll be thinking of your words as I admire the fall foliage on my own street. 🙂