Fall Tree

Friend,

Last night, I strolled with my husband at dusk as the crisp autumn air refreshed my soul after a long day. We dreamt of the possibilities the coming year might bring, but I was reluctant to let my imagination run free.

​Lately, life has been a drag full of conflict, disappointment, and opposition. It is hard to see past the smoke of the wildfire that has set my life ablaze. My thoughts were clouded as I listened to the hope my husband exuded.

​Copper and crimson leaves blanketed the base of a tree, catching my eye. Immediately, my eyes rose to the sturdy branches that once held them. This observation reminded me of a poem I wrote a few years ago, Fall Tree. The resilience of trees inspired me as they release their leaves and embrace the changing season. I noticed these trees don’t fret about what is ahead; they yield and surrender because they know they will bloom again in spring.

The Holy Spirit reminded me that this season of affliction will pass. Winter is coming, but so is spring. Like a gentle breeze, hope slowly danced through the air, weaving its way into my despair. I came home and lingered with the words of Fall Tree.

Fall tree willingly yields her leaves
She stands comfortable and unashamed in her nakedness 
Her posture is one of branches spread wide 
Open to receive the coming winter that ushers in coldness 
And the weight of heavy snow and icicles 

She knows some of her branches may snap 
Breaking under harsh conditions 
Yet, her remaining branches stand courageously 

They bravely hold their position, anticipating spring 
When life emerges from the darkness 
Parading brightly with greens, pinks, and white
Her nakedness now clothed with royal jewels that sparkle in the sun

Her body becomes full and lush 
Cultivating homes for other creatures to nestle and reside
Barrenness has given birth
She stands proud receiving her children 
Nurturing them for this appointed time 

Her posture always open, always receiving 
She willingly yields to the changing seasons
Because she knows when God spoke her into existence 
He would always provide

So she yields to His ways
Sways in the wind
And releases her leaves
She waits until her appointed time to bloom again

Fall tree knows that she is more than Fall 
She is Winter 
She is Spring
She is Summer 
She is designed to embrace and survive them all

Some of my branches have snapped, yet I am still standing. So I yield to His ways and sway in the wind, because in my appointed time I will bloom again. 

In His Love,
Danielle