Fallen

Depleted but determined. That’s a good way to describe the feeling I have right now. As I drive down the road, I can’t help but notice the trees and how they match my mood. One is vibrantly orange. The next one is leafless. Not a bit of spark or spunk left. Empty. But then the next tree is spectacularly yellow. It’s like God surrounded that tired, leafless tree with friends on either side who could support it as the leaves become too much for it to carry.

I bet you can relate. Sometimes life comes along and knocks the wind out of your sails. That’s what happened to me this week. I knew there were many people depending on me, and I so desperately wanted to be like the colorful fall leaves, being a bright spot in everyone’s day. Though my intentions were good, the weight my heart was feeling was almost more than I could bare, leaving me like the tree with nothing left to give.

But do you know what happened? God, in His infinite wisdom, sent me a note to encourage my heart and to remind me I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Though He didn’t deliver the note Himself, He had someone I work with tape it to my door. The note reminded me that when we feel out of gas, God’s gas tank is NEVER empty. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, so when you feel the nudge to reach out to someone, please do it! You may never know, this side of heaven, how it will touch the other person.

During my three hour road trip, I was so struck by the pattern of the trees. Repeatedly, all along the path, bare trees were mixed among some of the most beautiful, rich colors I have ever seen. God whispered to my heart and reminded me that the road to life is mixed with beauty and pain, but it’s also sprinkled with reminders of how much God loves you. So whatever season you are in, whether the tears are falling from your eyes like the dropping fall leaves, or you feel as bold and beautiful as the radiant leaves still hanging on, keep the faith. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn, but most importantly, spread the love of Jesus everywhere you go.