HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
This poem was written in 2011, when a tree seemed to speak of the hope and purpose found in complete surrender.
BARRENNESS
It is autumn.
I stand tall and proud,
dressed with leaves ablaze
in a glorious array of golds and auburns.
It is autumn
and I delight in my purpose:
brightening the sky
and enchanting the earth
with my royal robes
of rich color and hue.
It is autumn
and I wave a colorful blessing
to those who walk below
while I gradually carpet
the path before them.
But suddenly the storms of life-
fierce, angry winds,
unexpected frosty snaps,
constant chilling breezes-
snatch most of my leaves
in fits of rage
before it is my time
to willingly surrender them.
I stand, barren and alone,
stripped and exposed,
while those around me-
still wearing their seasonal clothing-
are joining together
in a celebration of color.
It is autumn.
But suddenly my purpose
and my glory have been lost
as I become
the mere and only signpost
of the impending winter.
Yet, I feel the gaze of a walker below.
Why does she pause
and pensively consider
my outstretched limbs,
gray and empty against the sky?
Could it be that she sees
a different beauty?
Could my leafless form
be speaking to her soul?
What is it that has her pondering?
It is autumn.
Perhaps these empty branches
reveal a new story:
one that speaks of
seasons,
surrender
and strength.
A story that affirms
this searching soul.
It is autumn.
My dignity has been stripped…
or perhaps- yes-
it has actually been exposed.
Yes, it is autumn
but I am living an early winter.
The beautiful display is gone.
Strength and integrity
are all that remain.
With nothing left to shed,
the storms and winds
can no longer buffet me,
but simply pass freely through
my unencumbered limbs.
With my mantle of color gone,
could my empty branches
and my barren limbs
show strength in their reach?
When there is nothing left,
could my empty branches
and my barren limbs
allow You to shine through more freely?