As hard as I am on myself for not being where I “want” to be, I’ve started to wonder: why don’t we shame trees when they’re not in bloom?
We understand it’s part of their process. Their leaves have to fall so they can come back brighter in the spring.
But when we, as humans - God’s image bearers - don’t feel like we’re “thriving,” we assume something must be wrong.
The following is how the Lord tenderly reminded me of His compassion.
One crisp Fall day, I was sitting on my parents' front porch, where a large maple tree stands tall. As I admired its beauty, I begin to notice that on different branches, the leaves were changing in sequence. Deep red faded into orange, then into yellow. Multiple stages, all happening at once.
It was at this moment the Lord gently reminded me: just like this grand tree changes colors with each season, we too have our own changing of colors.
And what’s even more beautiful? Every color has its own kind of beauty.
Sure, there's a time where the tree is bear and brown. But isn't that life? It's not always colorful. Yet, even then, we can trust that color is coming again.
I think sometimes, when we experience these shifts in our own lives, we assume we're doing something wrong - that we're missing something.
In the fall, the tree reflects deep reds and crisp oranges.
In the spring, it becomes as green as a golf course.
Both are completely different, yet both are equally beautiful.
What if we viewed our lives the same way?
What if each season carried its own kind of beauty - even when it looks unfamiliar?
This is something I'm still learning. I don't like change. I like routine and I crave structure. But in this current season of obedience, where I can't see the outcome, I’ve found myself struggling to see the color.
And yet, as spring arrives and that same tree begins to bloom green again, I’m reminded: my own color is coming too.
There is beauty in the midst of it all.
In the confusion.
In the preparation.
In the waiting that comes with obedience.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1
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