Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Life-Less Trees Outside My Window



(This is a repost from back in Dec. because I am going to a funeral today and didn't
have time to write a new post)


Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Life-Less Trees Oustide My Window

As I look out my window today I see some trees without their leaves and they look so life-less, and indeed they do appear to be dead. However they are not dead, they are just going through a normal process. The leaves have gone from green to gold or red and then they turned to brown and fell from the tree and have blown around in the changing wind until someone rakes them up and puts them into large bags and sets them out for the trash man to pick up.

These bare trees look cold and empty and not very pretty at present, but I know this is just for a short time and when autumn and winter have passed, spring will bring them tender shoots once again on each of their branches and the barren looking sticks will flourish with lots of healthy green leaves to sway in the wind. Some of the trees will also flower and lovely white, purple or pink blossoms will be abundant, and this will bring delight to all of those who pass this way.

But during the barren times I can't help but feel a sadness and a longing for the fruitfulness of the tree to return. I think that I am going through a similar time right now because I have not been well and therefore I am not flourishing. I have not been active, or able to enjoy the routine things that daily life involves. I have felt like my strength has drained and my leaves have fallen. But I do know that this is just a passing season of my life, and before too long my life will return to normal.

When the snow comes the barren trees will appear to be dressed again with glistening white coats. Or sparkling ice, like jewelry, will dangle from the formerly bare branches. This will bring needed moisture and it will be good for the trees. And I will be able to look out my windows and enjoy the wintry white wonderland and my spirit will be lifted.

God has a reason for each season of our lives,....and He knows what we need to go through and how to prune us so that we can bring forth abundant fruit at His appointed times. I am so thankful that things are not always what they appear to be,...the trees are not dead,...and either am I! There has just been a quiet time where God wants me to be still and dwell in His presence. My trial has been so small compared to what some people experience. I am not complaining, just reflecting on what God wants me to learn at this time of my life.Yet I will admit that I long for the warmth He will bring and look forward to the new life that will soon appear, and the growth, both on the trees and in my life.

If your life is looking a little bleak, and your branches are feeling empty, don't despair the Lord is always near and He will hear your whispered pray. Don't lose hope, hang on to your faith in Him. Open your eyes to the beauty that can be found even in the autumns of our lives or the cold dark days of winter.Sometimes we need the quiet, still, moments. And before too long we will be seeing new growth sprouting out from the dormant areas in our lives if we yield ourselves to Him, and let His strength flow through us like sap.... bringing new life and new energy to us once again.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I remember this and like it. :) Who's funeral are you going to? Somebody I know? I don't remember you telling me anybody you know died...

Thanks for sharing - it's okay that it was a repost. Most of our Wednesday Walk friends haven't read it.

Jamimania said...

Hi Linda! You probably thought that this post was less than another week because it was a repeat, but the Lord knew better! This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I am going through a similar season, I feel like all my leaves have dropped - nothing left but naked branches. I believe this is right where God would have me be right now... so I won't feel sorry for myself, but will keep my eyes on Him and trust his plan and his timing. But I do long for the tender shoots of new life you talk about. Like you, this is a reflective time for me... there are so many changes taking place in our family right now and it has me feeling bare and vulnerable. But I know the Lord is so faithful and he's brought me through these "winter" seasons before.

Linda, you are such a wonderful encourager! Thanks for always knowing just what to say to me, whether it's in an email or through your blog, I'm thankful that the Lord has put you in my path. You have passed down a wonderful gift of writing and compassion and encouragement to Lynnette and Abigail as well. What a blessing you all are!

Love and hugs,
Jami

jamers said...

Thanks for sharing this insight! Just beautifully written.

CornFedMama said...

A word in due season. Thank you for reposting for those of us who missed it the first time!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Oh, sweet Linda, I am sorry for this barren season...praying for a season of restoration and renewal. And looking forward with you to the renewal of new life, both in the trees and in the "weariness of soul" that sometimes settles in. Thank you for this beautiful post. I wrote something with a similar message awhile back about the ways that God works in us to heal and restore us as we walk through different "seasons". It's in our Dreams of You Memory Book. Thank you for so beautifully sharing your heart.

Blessings to you,
Kelly

Julie said...

Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing it.

Laura Hoekstra-Bettig said...

I'm late and it's almost Thursday's Walk for me! Thank you, Linda, for your encouraging words of wisdom. They were a word in due season for me tonight. See you next week, dear friend.

Kristin said...

Linda,

Your comment today on my blog meant so much to me. I really mean that. There's just something about you that when I read your words, I feel that same love that I always felt from my Mom. I know that may seem weird, since we have never met, but it's the way I feel. The Lord has blessed me so much by allowing us to meet. He knew exactly what I needed, as always.

This post is so perfect. I feel like those barren trees have been me for the past 4 years. But, these past couple of weeks have been life-changing for me. I feel like that season of my life is truly coming to an end. My fears seem to be evaporating. It truly is a miracle that only God can be responsible for. Even my best friend that I have prayed for is showing an interest in going to church with me! It's amazing. I have been saved since I was a little girl, but now I truly know what it means to give my life to Him and how life-changing that can be! It's amazing!!

Thank you so much for your prayers. I hope you have a wonderful week and weekend!

Love ya,
Kristin

Abigail Kraft said...

Yes, I remember reading this a while back. You are such a great writer Grandma! Your words are always inspiring and insightful. :)

Love you,
--Abigail