March 27, 2008

• I saw this bizarre tree today...

  

   

  What is up with this tree?

   

  All the other trees had lost their leaves; this one was still holding tenaciously onto its dead brown leaves.  They rustled in quiet sadness as the cool gray wind gently blew.

   

  Doesn't the tree know that it's almost springtime?  That trees should be discarding their past and preparing to bud forth in green glory?

   

  Maybe the tree is dead and doesn't know any better, I thought.  I looked closer to see if I could detect any buds.  Yes, the tree did seem to have buds, like the other trees.  It was just holding on to its old dead leaves for some reason.

   

  Unwilling (or unable) to let go.

   

  Is this an unhealthy thing for the tree?  Does it signify some disease or something?  What will the tree look like in a few weeks?  Will the brown leaves suddenly fall off as the green leaves come, after having clothed the tree all winter?  Will the tree try to retain both the new and the old?  Or will the old dead leaves from the past choke out the new living leaves of the future, leaving the tree to die in barrenness?

   

  Time will tell.

   

  Is it the tree's fault?  All the other trees have shed their leaves and moved on with their lives.  But this one stands, unable to change so quickly perhaps.  It is a slow tree.

   

  I feel like I understand it, somehow.  God did not speak to me directly through this tree today like He spoke to Moses, but there was some indirect reminder / intangible comfort.  The past will be forgotten at the right time, and not before.

   

  So the ransomed of the Lord will return
  And come with joyful shouting to Zion,
  And everlasting joy will be on their heads.
  They will obtain gladness and joy,
  And sorrow and sighing will flee away.
  Isaiah 51:11

  • 10:39 pm
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