Shades of Change

As I was driving to Ohio yesterday, I was in awe of the natural beauty surrounding me; an incredibly warm day with the sun shining on the colorful trees against the blueness of the sky.  Once again this seasonal change had me contemplating the gifts and choices God gives us. 

In the past, I have shared an analogy between the seasonal transformation of the leaves and my personal reflections on how life and death is often viewed.  I would like to share these personal thoughts with you.    

The trees that have not yet changed color represent those of us who refuse to acknowledge the reality that we are not meant to be here forever, that there is a life beyond this one we have on earth.

The leaves on trees nearby may have already turned brown and shriveled; they represent those of us who tire of life early-- finding no reason to enjoy the limited time we have--they have ceased to live but have yet to die. 

My favorites remain the beautiful trees with brilliant orange, red and gold leaves reaching up to the heavens and basking in the sunlight.  These represent those of us who live each moment to the best of our ability, who find and share the beauty of their surroundings.  They are not naive, they know the end of their season is near yet they see each and every day as a special blessing.    

We should not stop our examination here; all these trees will become bare as the season progresses but we need to remember that new life simmers deep inside of them just waiting for the rebirth spring allows.