Thankful for Leaves
My uncle lives about an hour away, in a nursing facility, and was going out for the first time in eight months. With special permission, due to Covid, we took him to get a haircut and to vote. Because he could not go to a restaurant, a church friend, Lynn, invited us to have our lunch in her beautiful backyard. Before we took him back, we took lunch and enjoyed God’s creation in my friend’s backyard. It was a wonderful time for us all being outside and enjoying fellowship with friends. Mom began commenting on the artistic touch on each leaf, all different with stunning golds, oranges, reds, greens, purples, and yellows!
Lynn and her husband got tickled, offering Mom all the leaves. After all, to Mom, it seemed a pity to leave something so beautiful lying on the ground. They sent Mom home with a small plastic bag of leaves. Deuteronomy 10:21, “He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” The next day, the leaves were in front of the kitchen sink for Mom to enjoy. Those leaves also remind her of a day that could have been difficult, but God filled that day with friends, His creation, and peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”
It would be easy for Mom to only complain about the leaves blowing into her front door and garage because she has to sweep them up constantly. She may as well enjoy them because unless the tree comes down, she is going to have them. Job 5:8-9, “But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” Looking at the beautiful colors in those leaves keeps us close to God’s creation. We are reminded of how beautiful God made creation for us to enjoy. All trees could be green, but they are not. And no two are alike. Those leaves symbolize the beauty and simplicity that surround us each day. Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
These leaves are God’s wonders, and as we learn to see things through God’s eyes, we begin to see more beautiful things. I think they are small miracles in front of us each day, waiting for us to notice. They remind me to be thankful for the little things, for the things I take for granted, and for being able to see God in everything! God, who has given us everything we need and more, gives us beautiful leaves to enjoy when summer leaves us! Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” These leaves also represent the gift of friends and a church family that we are so blessed to have here at Pine Valley United Methodist Church! Philippians 1:3, "I thank my God every time I remember you."
This Thanksgiving, let’s spend time each day praising God! I do this anytime I walk or ride bikes. I only praise Him for things. I do not ask for anything; I just thank Him for everything that I can think of! It is very easy outside in His creation. Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” The things you take for granted like the leaves, birds singing, flowers blooming, the sunshine, the rain, the stars, oceans, lakes, ponds, creeks, the turtles sunning by the water, the smell of fresh rain and freshly cut grass, the smell of honeysuckle, and the list goes on, you will realize you are grateful for them! Psalm 136:1-4, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. To him, who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.” Happy Thanksgiving!
Psalm 100:4-5, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good, and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.“ With humble hearts, let us thank God for the time we have with those around our table; for the lives of those no longer at our table; our abundant provisions; the presence of God at our table and in our home, and most of all, the promise of salvation given through Jesus Christ. Psalm 92:1, “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High…” May you and your family have a beautiful, gracious filled Thanksgiving!