Even though I was born in the spring and have always held a soft spot in my heart for the season of renewal and rebirth...I've got to admit, I am enamored by the fall.
Like many, there's something about the change of the leaves, the rustle of the wind, the smell of the air and the ushering of the quiet that makes me pause.
The other morning, Kate (4), Claire (baby) and I took a walk to enjoy the beautiful autumnal day. We're blessed to live across the street from a really beautiful park with gorgeous, mature trees and breathtaking ravines. While collecting pieces of bark, pine cone, and leaves, we noticed a huge crane in the process of cutting down a mammoth tree.
And just like that, the tree made a huge thud as it hit the earth. You could feel it in your belly, the rumble and reverberation were immense.
I looked over at Kate and she started to cry. "Mama, why did they do that?" To which, I unexpectedly became emotional and said, "Well, I think the tree was dying." And she said, "Did the tree know?" and I said, "I'm sure he suspected."
It's strange, but I've been having these kinds of cool, philosophical conversations with my kids a lot lately. We've been aware of mortality and the seasons of life. We've been praying for friends who are sick and for those who are dying. We've been grateful for our health and trying not to take it for granted.
However, the reality is that life is comprised of seasons...a time to be born, a time to live and a time to die. Fall reminds me that it is time to hibernate, to cling to those I love and to "settle in" a bit. I am mindful that the colder temperatures and the shorter days give way to reflection and quiet. It's not so much of a time to go-go-go as it is an opportunity to stay, to pause, and to be grateful for that which we are and that which we have been given.
Oh. This is really nice. I'm glad you had an answer for her.
ReplyDeleteWe had a giant old elm on our property... as old as and taller than our three story building. We tried to keep up on pruning out the dead and diseased parts but finally, it was a losing battle. We had to have the tree cut down. That day I came home to find a huge carcass-like trunk on the lawn and it seemed like our building was naked without the tree there! Very sad.