Trees

Leaves are fluttering in the wind as they are blown from the trees on this acreage. It is a beautiful sight when colors of yellow, red, and orange seem to blanket the sky in their swirl to the ground. Like children, we revel in the crunch of leaves that cover the ground like a golden carpet.

Though the trees offer up their colorful cloaks, all is not lost. They stand stoically, with only a little bending to the wind. Gradually apparent are the tree's bones, hidden these past months. Now they stand in all their strength, gracefulness, and beauty, something not revealed in the fruitfulness of summer.

It is reminiscent of our elderly. Their beauty and attire are gradually being dismantled from their youthful, sturdy frames. Little by little, they are diminished. Suddenly their children are grown and no longer with them. The retirement they looked forward to is lonelier than they thought. No use to don office or work attire, hanging in the closet unused.

But like the trees, they exhibit strength and perseverance. They are beautiful in their age and grace to face the winter. Full of wisdom, they have seen many seasons, shading and protecting, bearing the brunt of storms, bending, but not breaking.

Isaiah 61:3 describes God's faithful: "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."