Do you ever feel like you are drifting through life, being blown along at a pace you did not choose? Or have you found a path you like but find it hard to stay focused? Do you plan ahead only to have circumstances thwart your plans? Have you ever looked at leaves and thought of parallels with your life?
Take a Look at the Leaves
I look at the autumn leaves falling, drifting along with the wind, seemingly without a care in the world. They have lived their lives on the trees and now it’s time to let go. Eventually they hit the ground, but before that they dance on the breeze as they drift merrily through the air.
The leaves are beautiful as they start out as green buds in the spring and continue to grow to full size. They clothe the bare trees in finery.
Time passes and they begin to change color but not all the same. There are reds, yellows, oranges, browns and some hold on to the green for a long time. Finally, they fall to the ground, but the beauty doesn’t end there.
For a time a colorful carpet covers ground that crunches as you walk along. The air is cooler and we are refreshed when we spend time outdoors.
At each stage the leaves have a job to do and fulfill it masterfully. They don’t have to think about what they do. God has already set them in place with a life cycle perfect for them.
Drifting but not Aimlessly
What about me? Could God have already set my life’s purpose in place? And could that purpose include the interruptions and struggles I have faced?
Has God set me here in the place I am, because this is where I can make a difference and also continue learning?
My life may sometimes seem like it is drifting along in paths not of my choosing. I could fight it and try to go in a different direction like Jonah did, but ultimately I always end up back on the path chosen for me. God’s purposes are always fulfilled.
Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
Leaves as Examples
Leaves drink in the rain, soak up the sun, then reflect the light, shimmering as they dance on the breeze. When the storms rage, the leaves hold fast to the branch. The branch connects to the tree with strong roots in the ground.
I want to drink the living water that Jesus gives through His Spirit. It’s like what He told the woman at the well.
John 4:14 (NLT)
But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.
I want to soak up God’s word. Then, like the leaves shimmer in the breeze, may I reflect the Light of Christ through my life.
When the storms of life come I can stand firm, because I am rooted in Christ. He has promised never to leave or forsake.
Even when my life comes to an end, I am still fulfilling His purpose. He knows me better than I know myself and I am safe in His hands. When I pass through death I am still with Him and will be forever.
Your eyes saw me when I was formless;
all my days were written in your book and planned
before a single one of them began.God, how precious your thoughts are to me;
how vast their sum is! If I counted them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with you.
I’m linking up with: #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday, #InspireMeMonday
God’s Word is my root and founddation – for whatever is ahead. Lovely new site, Gayle!
Amen, Sue! It is also my root, foundation and guide! And thank you! Blessings to you!
Such beautiful thoughts here Gayl. I love to think of the leaves dancing before they fall to the ground. It is such a beautiful illustration of taking joy in the purpose of God’s creation. And in that rejoicing we reflect His glory just like the leaves’ shimmer. And what a beautiful connection with your art page at the end: His path set before us. Love and hugs to you dear poet/sister/friend! xoxo
Yes, I agree that the leaves “dancing” are a great illustration of joy and reflecting. I’m glad you like the art page. As I was looking through my pictures, I thought this one would be appropriate. Blessings and love and hugs to you my dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
I love your thoughts and view of our journey through this life.
The Lord has a plan and a reason for everything. To us, it may sometimes seem like our journey in life takes us down a path we may not have expected or even want… and it can scare us into thinking that we have taken a wrong turn somewhere. But if we just rest in the Lord and follow the flow of the wind and the leading of the Holy Spirit, then we will always be right where we are supposed to be 🙂
Thank you so much! Yes, sometimes it’s hard to trust when we just can’t see the reason behind the path, but you’re right. I we rest in Him and follow His leading we will be in the right place. We may not understanding but we can trust that He knows best and His timing is best. Blessings to you!
Cling to the branch in the storm, yes.
Oh, yes, Rebecca, that’s for sure! Blessings to you!
Your words are so eloquent and inspiring, Gayl! And we truly can look at this season and the beautiful leaves that fall as how the Lord orders every detail of our lives to its proper place. I was thinking about that very thing just the other day in my Bible study time! So I’m resonating with every word you say today!
I love how the Lord confirms His word in us through others on the same path. Thank you so much, Beth, for reading and commenting. Blessings to you!
It’s good to remember that even when we feel like we’re drifting, God still has a plan and a purpose for us!
Yes, and I need that reminder often! I’m so thankful He does have a purpose for us. Blessings to you, Lesley!
What a beautiful reflection and reminder that God has a purpose for our lives and that if we’re connected to him, our path will never be aimless.
Thank you so much, Anita. Yes, never aimless because He has a plan. Blessings to you!