Deciduous Dilemma
A tree can’t like winter. I can see no reason why it would.
No foliage to showcase.
No growth to watch and enjoy.
No activity in the nests of birds wintering in the South again this year.
The possibility of being hit by, perhaps injuring a sledding youngster.
Cold.
That relentless wind.
I can’t imagine a tree liking winter – not if it’s decidous.
But I’ve read that the strength we admire in hardwoods comes in winter’s dormancy. And that the beauty we admire of close grain, smooth, graceful lines and color are a result of winter’s long and silent work.
I can’t imagine a maple enjoying winter. Nor a cherry, oak or walnut. But I can almost hear them sigh from time to time, refusing to complain because they know winter is necessary. A deciduous dilemma.
Lately I’ve come to see that life is like that for those who know and follow God. If we hold still and cooperate, life’s winters can make us strong while the grain of our lives becomes increasingly beautiful, particularly when others look back and remember.
If you’re in the middle of a personal winter right now, as I am, be strong. Hold still. Grow stronger. Endure without complaining.
God knows — and is at work.
Spring will bring joy, new growth, and fruit. The songbirds will move back in, thankful you’re here for them. You’ll shelter their new young. You’ll enjoy warmth again. And shade.
But for now, winter is necessary.
—PLR—
4 Replies to “Deciduous Dilemma”
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You cannot even begin to understand how much I needed to read this today. Thank you.
~Laura
You’re welcome, Laura,
I keep coming back to God knows — and is at work.
How’d your interview go?
Phil—
Great writing, Phil. Thanks for the reminder. I concur with Laura. I needed it too.
Funny thing, I vaguely remember winter – being in Hawaii 3o years. Last night, the temperature dropped to 65. Had to reach up and close the window above my bed about 3 AM. To me, that was cold. But I spent a couple years in Minneapolis way back when so I have a few memories…
God bless,
Del
As Grandma would have said, “Oh you poor THING!” 😀
This noon it was 25* here with a wind chill of 8* (count’em – eight) degrees.
It’s not as laughable, though, when it’s LIFE that’s gone into winter, and seems Spring will never come. God knows, though, and is at work.
I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about how a branch calls for everything it needs from The Vine, including security and stability when the leaves are gone but the winds blow anyway. Sometimes we need Him to just hold us steady, don’t we? Makes Spring all the more enjoyable when it does arrive.
Glad to see your comment – always brings a smile.
Phil—