silly trees

by Alanna

Today was similar to many

I went to work

and took the twins for a walk

I love to point out the trees to them

because I remind them every time, that God made that tree

first He created just a tiny seed

and then He grew it into that big huge tree

and in the same way, I tell them

He will grow them to be big and strong

(I remind myself too)

"He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ"

The trees are beginning to blossom

and there were some beautiful ones

we noticed while walking today

and then, rounding a corner

two ridiculous trees

side by side

with their old dead leaves from last year

still clinging to them

they'd been stubborn I guess

just didn't want to let go

they didn't look beautiful, even empty like some of the others

they just looked silly

i laughed at those trees

and i wondered at myself

when i pulled at a dead leaf, it didn't come off easily

the trees were still holding on

to a whole bunch of old dead leaves

when all around them was new life growing

didn't they know?

that to live, they'd have to die?

how quickly i forget

how tightly i cling

only the Father can bring new life

we can't hold on to life, or gifts, or blessings

they wither and dry up

like yesterday's manna

every day has to be a surrender

every fall has to be death

every gift has to be given back to the Giver

in gratefulness

in worship

'Do not call to mind the former things,

or ponder things of the past.

Behold, I will do something new,

now it will spring forth;

will you not be aware of it?

I will even make a roadway in the wilderness

rivers in the desert.'

-God