I was recently challenged to write about leaves.
So...what's the challenge? They change colors. They are flowy and then crunchy. Everyone loves them. End of story.
I share the same admiration for leaves as anyone, but what I find the most beautiful is not the quality but the quantity. I'm not aware of anything else in life of which I could say that.
No, that's not entirely true. Oreos are most definitely the exception. Well, and coffee. BUT THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT!
Considering how quickly some people rush out with rakes in hand, I know that what I enjoy most about leaves is probably uncommon. To me, fiery red or orange leaves strewn across the grass resemble rose petals on a bedspread. I can't bear to rake them up too early.
An Anchor of Remembrance
When I was in college, I remember taking a walk around the outskirts of campus one late September afternoon and really contemplating this particular aspect of nature for the first time. I was surprised to find how loved I felt. When I returned to my dorm room, this is what I wrote:
I just realized how beautiful and romantic and wonderful this part of God's creation is - trees full of millions of leaves, changing colors, all falling off, floating and flying around and covering the ground. He really really loves us.
I am grateful that I can count on this display of love every year, no matter what new things I've distracted myself with. No matter what has shifted or changed completely in my own little life story. The rhythm of the seasons continues year after year and serves as an anchor of remembrance for the things outside of us that matter the most.
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