Recently, we had some really strong winds overnight, and the majority of the leaves on our silver maple tree were on the ground by the next morning. Notice I wrote the majority of the leaves were on the ground. Sure enough, my view showed 8-10 leaves still attached to a few branches. And not only that but they still retained their beautiful colors of green, red, and yellow!
While on the elliptical machine in the mornings, I have been watching these leaves for several days. (Yes, it is the same silver maple from which I have learned so much over the past few years!) These beauties with their beautiful colors are still hanging on the tree!
Now how did that happen? Hundreds of leaves are on the ground – covering the ground so the grass is not visible – but a few stubborn or sturdy ones are still on the tree.
After a few minutes of investigating, I learned why some leaves do not drop right away:
As winter approaches, tree leaves stop producing chlorophyll. At that point, the branches also begin to develop their “abscission” cells. These are cells that scissor off the dying leaves and seal up the stem attachments. But if the weather drops early in a sudden cold snap, it can kill the leaves immediately. This takes the leaf color directly from green to brown. It also prevents the development of the abscission tissue. This essentially means the leaves are not scissored off the branches but instead remain attached. Don’t worry, your tree will be fine. The leaves will fall at some point, and new leaves will grow in normally the following spring. Leaves dropping from Tree
Therefore, the dropping of leaves is a natural process of preparing for winter. God made these trees to know how and when to protect themselves during the year. As the branches cut off the dying leaves, they seal up the stem attachment for the winter. This protection ensures the new bud for next spring. So here we go, God! What is the spiritual side of this?
First of all, what does the phrase “hanging on” bring to mind?
Ø hanging on to my mother’s dresses as a young child and hiding behind her because I was so shy
Ø hanging on to keepsakes from Mom’s memorial service which are still on my desk
Ø hanging on to our boys’ school papers and awards and wondering what to do with them
Ø hanging on to tree branches and swinging like a monkey OR
Ø hanging on for dear life!
Ø hanging on to memories in my mind and in our photos
Ø hanging on to material possessions because I don’t know what to do with them
Ø hanging on through the ups and downs of life
“Hangin’ on” can be a positive or negative phrase depending on what is happening in your life at any given time.
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
James 1:2-3 (NLT)
When we are “hangin’ on” in the difficulties of life, we need to remember that God has not left us. He is not tending to someone else’s problems & forgetting ours. Remember that He is omniscient - “having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight” and omnipresent - “present everywhere at the same time”. He alone knows what is happening in your life!
God will ensure that these leaves will fall at just the right time, but for now, he is giving me the beauty of His colors to gaze on a while longer as the rest of the landscape begins to change to brown and tan.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
He will do the same for you. He will help you to hang on regardless of the circumstances. Just as the tree is still preparing for winter and the buds for next spring, He is preparing us for each day. He knows the plans He has for us, and He will guide us through those plans as long as we continue to hang on. It doesn’t matter whether we are hanging by a thread or with full grips from both hands. He is here to support and guide us.
Look at how He prepares the dogwood tree for spring. See the buds? Already?
A bud is a tree’s way of getting a leaf or flower through the winter. When it’s too cold and water is locked up in ice, plants can’t grow. But even in a cold-winter climate, woody plants can get a head start on next year by forming buds while it’s still warm and then pausing their growth until spring.
At some time, the colors will fade; the leaves will fall; the tree will look dormant through the winter, but then spring comes. However, the tree is not dormant. There is an entire underground system among the roots of all trees which protect them, feed them, and prepare them for the next stage or season. These trees will be/are preparing for spring and new growth.
God is doing the same in each of us. He is preparing us for the plans He has for us – for each day and for the future. So keep hangin’ on! He's right beside you!
Thanks for stopping by,
Rachel
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