Lesson from a Leaf
Needing some solitude I went on a walk to spend some time talking to the Father.
The sounds of nature soon interrupted. There was the wind rushing through the tree tops, the rustling of a squirrel scampering across the grass, and the tapping of the leaves on the pavement as they danced across the street. Leaning over I picked up a beautiful red leaf. I studied the brilliance of its color as the sun shone on it. As I turned a corner, the leaf was shaded by my body. The color instantly lost its vibrancy. I held the leaf away from me so it would catch the sun's rays. The brilliant red with some hint of orange showed once again. I continued to hold that little leaf in my hand finally tucking it in my pocket. It seemed there was a message for me.
As I began writing today Matthew 5:14-16 came to mind. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
I noticed verse 14 said " a city on a hill." On a hill I cannot be in the shade. I receive the full light of the sun. It struck me that my life should be like the little red leaf. It should be beautiful, showing off my Creator to the world. In order to show its true beauty though, the leaf needed to be in the sun. So too, does my life need to be lived in the presence of the Son.
I had always read these verses and thought the main point was that Christians need to be seen in the world, so the world can know Jesus. I still believe that is the main point. However, the little leaf made me stop and realize I can be in the world but if I'm not living in the presence of the Son, the world won't notice the light of Him shining through me. Just like the leaf I'm more beautiful in the light of the Son.
Seems a bit ironic, but I went on the walk to talk to God, and instead found that God spoke to me and taught me a lesson from a leaf.
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The sounds of nature soon interrupted. There was the wind rushing through the tree tops, the rustling of a squirrel scampering across the grass, and the tapping of the leaves on the pavement as they danced across the street. Leaning over I picked up a beautiful red leaf. I studied the brilliance of its color as the sun shone on it. As I turned a corner, the leaf was shaded by my body. The color instantly lost its vibrancy. I held the leaf away from me so it would catch the sun's rays. The brilliant red with some hint of orange showed once again. I continued to hold that little leaf in my hand finally tucking it in my pocket. It seemed there was a message for me.
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| Image: Bill Longshaw / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
As I began writing today Matthew 5:14-16 came to mind. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
I noticed verse 14 said " a city on a hill." On a hill I cannot be in the shade. I receive the full light of the sun. It struck me that my life should be like the little red leaf. It should be beautiful, showing off my Creator to the world. In order to show its true beauty though, the leaf needed to be in the sun. So too, does my life need to be lived in the presence of the Son.
I had always read these verses and thought the main point was that Christians need to be seen in the world, so the world can know Jesus. I still believe that is the main point. However, the little leaf made me stop and realize I can be in the world but if I'm not living in the presence of the Son, the world won't notice the light of Him shining through me. Just like the leaf I'm more beautiful in the light of the Son.
Seems a bit ironic, but I went on the walk to talk to God, and instead found that God spoke to me and taught me a lesson from a leaf.
Linking up with:
Oh isn't it fantastic how the Lord speaks to us through His creation?! Seemingly insignificant things speak volumes when we take the time to listen. I really enjoyed reading this post and have signed up to follow your blog. I'm so glad to have met you through the Koinonia link up.
ReplyDeleteHi. I found you through GMG. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a link up on Fridays called Brag on God Friday. I would love for you to consider linking up.
Oh, I can relate to this. Yes, help me to shine Lord!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment you left a week or so ago...I'm glad to have found your blog and reading your testimony (about page) really touched my heart!
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