What Can We Learn From The Autumn Leaf?

I think there is a message in the falling of leaves in Autumn.   I was out with my camera yesterday, and saw a leaf that was hanging on to the branch.  It was the only one that had turned autumn color, but still remaining on the branch.  The wind was blowing it around, up and down, and sideways.  But still it remained.

We can be a bit like that leaf.  We know a change of season is upon us, and we also know that in a change of season, we must change.  We can sense that still small whisper that tells us to move forward, and that He will take care of it and be there.  But we are like a leaf that hangs on for dear life to what it knows.  In our case it is what we have come to be comfortable with.  The leaf knows that it can sustain itself on this branch a little while longer, so its hanging on.  However, we all know what happens.  As the season moves forward, it becomes colder, and that leaf will no longer receive what it needs, because the tree itself is going into a season of rest.  The good thing?  We don’t have to be afraid of change.  We don’t see a leaf that let’s go only to fals like a brick to the ground.  Nope.  That isn’t like God.  The leaf will just float on down to the ground with a beauty all its own.  It allows the season to change its color, and then gracefully drops from the branch.

We can learn a lot from the leaf.  Here are a few thoughts:

• Change is good because it moves us forward.  We aren’t the only leaf on the tree to fall.  They will all fall at some point.  So when we feel the squeeze of change upon us, know that there are others around you sensing the same thing for themselves; that is, if they are tuned in to God and what He is doing.  You can be a support and prayer partner with those who are experiencing what you are…a step toward the unknown.  I have found when I share that with others through a prayer request, I will find many who are in the same place.  Remember as a child when the all the leaves would be swept together and you couldn’t resist falling into the pile, or throwing them up in the air?  We can rejoice with others the same way.   As we begin to recognize others who are in the midst of a move of God, we can rejoice together as we move toward a new thing. It can be a fun journey when shared.
• We also don’t have to worry about God dropping us.  Just as the leaf gracefully falls in the wind or just floats to the ground, so God will catch us in His arms and set us on our feet on new territory.  He won’t leave us alone.  He will feel joy at our willingness to step forward into something new, give us what we need to walk it out, and lovingly walk with us along the way.
• It will definitely change how we look. The leaves are most beautiful when they fall off the branch…they are vibrant, in fact.  Do you know that the color of yellow, orange, or even red, is present in the leaf all through the growing process?  This means while the leaf is green, the colors are still there…BEFORE it turns color.  The color has been there all along!  That could preach right there!!!  That means that through the process of letting go, our true colors or gifts or talents or passions, can show itself in us!!  We will become vibrant with new life!  I love that!  When we allow God to move us and change us, we are best using what He has given us for His purposes.

We will begin to look more vibrant, when we are willing to let go, and let God take the lead in our journey.  We might even begin to notice a more colorful world in the new place He has taken us.  New found color = new found passion.

So…let the winds and the waves come.  I know the Master of the wind.  We know Who is in charge of the winds and the waves.  We can weather the change together.  You may be the first to let go, but we will all come to a time in our lives where we too, have to let go of one season to walk forward into the next season of our life.  We can throw up our hands in the air just like we did with the leaves, only this time, it will be to receive the blessings of obedience flowing down on us like rain.  It’s like a song lyric I listened to yesterday that goes along with this thought…He brings us out, to bring us IN!

Until next time…

~JoAnn