Autumn Found Her

She is quite a pitiful sight, our tall thin tree in the backyard. Her top third appears to be dead. Naked brown branches extend to the sky where you would expect to see leaves. In the spring, I cut off a few twigs then stopped when I spotted a nest securely positioned between two branches. A bird thought our little tree a worthy place for habitation. Later, we spotted eggs nestled within the tiny twig home. New life appeared not only in the green leaves (on the bottom third) but also in the promise of tiny eggs where little feathered friends would hatch.

It’s November now and leaves are turning crimson, russet, and amber on trees all across town. As I gather dishes from the table, I glance out the window at our tall thin tree.  

I smile in surprised delight.

Autumn found her too.

Just as grand families of arbors display the beauty of the season, our tree’s leaves are transforming in celebration of autumn not passing her by.

Here, out my window, I see a brushstroke of glory.

On an unlikely thin tall tree.

I wonder at this – how we all, like trees, display the glory of our Creator.

Do you feel like an unlikely candidate for a brushstroke of glory?

Perhaps you gaze at the spiritual beauty of those around you and feel insignificant or even a bit bare in your faith?

Nature nods to heavenly truths.

And our thin tall tree whispers a promise to us all.

God is working, transforming, and guiding you. You are a canvas for his glory, even if you only see a few stunning leaves in this season. You are seen, known, and loved with lavish grace.

Celebrate those glorious leaves – the seemingly small things in your life that nod to the Creator.