We had a little snow shower with a brush of freezing temperatures about a month ago. The cold didn’t last long, only a few days. But it made quite an impression…on the trees.
On my daily walk, I would see some trees with lush foliage. Their leaves got busy turning yellow, orange and red in the fall sun. But then, I’d see trees stripped bare. They experienced the early snow too, but decided it was time to cash in. They dropped their leaves seemingly all at once, almost overnight.
It was quite a contrast.
All the trees will bud again in the Spring, no worries there. It was just fascinating to me that the same trees, growing in the same place, could react so differently to stress. As I walked along my way, I wondered which option was smarter.
It seemed a little extreme to drop all those leaves. But then again, what if the cold continued? Sap freezing inside, the nutrition to the leaves slowly choking…well, maybe it wasn’t so extreme after all. It’s not going to change the long-term health of the tree, so why not be ready for the winter?
I tend toward the ‘hang in there’ option. I don’t like hasty decisions. Hang on to those leaves of life, and wait for the return of more temperate days. Chances are good that this cold won’t stay. But I wondered if I liked this option because I enjoy the changing leaves. The colors look so bright and beautiful in the sunshine.
Hold on or let go. It’s a confusing decision.
As I wound my way between the trees, I came to a decision. I can’t blame the bare trees or cheer for the leafy ones. Who am I to judge? They are both using strategies that help them make it to the next day, and to the next season. In the end, they will both bloom again.
I believe that the Lord was showing me the futility of judgement, and not just with trees. This little example in nature reminded me that his children don’t need to be judged either. I’ll never know the ‘weather’ that anyone has had to go through. And those struggles often guide choices.
Like the trees, all of us blow in the strong winds of change. We make decisions to prepare for the freezing gusts of winter in our own ways. Maybe it’s a different way to pray, or a different bible translation. We’re all just trying to prepare ourselves for tomorrow, and for our ultimate meeting with God face to face.
Like my own neighborhood trees, even close family members can differ in the way they prepare themselves in prayer, praise and honor to our Father. But here’s what I have to keep in my heart: If the foundation is with God, and we actively participate in loving each other, we’re well on our way.
Besides, Jesus said I shouldn’t judge. The reward for that is pretty exciting. I won’t be judged either. (Matt. 7:1)
Great message Ceil! We need to follow what our Lord really wants for our lives. Yes it’s a little difficult to discern this sometimes, but you reminded me that our foundation should be with God and love for one another other is really what he desires of us. Thank you for this needed message and have a blessed week. 🙂
Hi Verona! That’s a good take on the blog post, you really have to do what you feel the Lord is calling you to do. No matter what it might look like to others. I’m glad you appreciated the message!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Wow – I love hearing about the wisdom you gleaned on this walk. Very true, very good!
Hi Mari! Thank you for your kind comment, I really appreciate it. And I’m so happy that you liked it too.
Have a restful night!
Ceil
Ceil: This is so well written. It make me think about how I have handled circumstances in my life. I have learned that there are times I have to let go and there are times it is better to hang on. Blessings to you and yours.
Hi Cecelia! I agree. This did make me think about the times I had to make decisions about myself, and sadly, the times I made decisions about others. We all have to find our way, that’s for sure.
Thank you for your good wishes! Have a restful night,
Ceil
Hello, Ceil! I enjoyed your contrast of the leaves’ decisions. So much like our own lives. Choices made, choices lived with, choices moving us forward. I’ve missed interacting with you and hopefully with surgery on Friday, I’ll be back to a more active role at my writing site but not at Sowing Seeds for now. I hope to bring my faith through in my writing blog as my faith is a real part of who I am 24/7 and it is a part of my memoir. I hope you’ll visit me there.
Hi Sherrey! May God bless you with health and good care in your surgery. Be sure to take care of yourself, and allow your friends and family to take care of you too.
I will visit you at your new (to me) place. How exciting that you are writing your memoir! I’m sure your recent writing class is helping you 🙂
Blessings my friend,
Ceil
Ceil, I have always loved your writing because of the way you take things around you and find spiritual lessons in them. Once again you did not disappoint. It is so easy to go through life without seeing these things. You have touched on a very special issue with me…judging others. It is not for us to do. Thank you for the tender and gentle way you’ve presented it here. xo
Hi Dianna! Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them. I am also a ‘judger’ and I have to stop myself frequently. The pay-off for seeing the good in others is such a good one…I don’t get judged either.
I’d need that!
Happy Monday,
Ceil
This is such a great message, Ceil. And I just love how you ended . . . “If the foundation is with God, and we actively participate in loving each other, we’re well on our way.” God first, loving one another . . . they are the first two commandments. I shared a quote today from Bob Goff, “God doesn’t compare what He creates, and we shouldn’t either. Just go be you.” I think you could take the word compare and also replace it with the word judge. Not sure if I’m making sense this morning but I have read your post multiple times now this morning because I really, really enjoyed. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon, friend. Much love. xoxo
Hi Beth! I guess comparing is a way we judge, so I get your thought here. Some judgement is good, we have to decide what’s good and what’s bad for us. But using comparing to make myself feel bad, or ‘less than’ would really be a tragedy.
Thanks for your insights! And I’ll be in touch 🙂
Ceil
mmm … hold on or let go. i can’t help thinking that the hardest decisions i’ve ever had to make revolved around these two options.
i guess right about now i’m just grateful that He holds on to me. and in doing so, He helps me make those hard calls with some level of wisdom and grace that i could never pull off my own.
i’m glad you’re back, Ceil. missed ya’ …
Hi Linda! I guess I could say I’m happy to be back, but it is freakishly cold here today. Ugh!! We had a great time away, but it was time to come back, cold or not 🙁
It’s never easy is it. And I find that now I really want to make choices that agree with what God wants for me. I am hoping that my desire will rouse him to come and help me. Love never fails.
Hope you had a great weekend?
Ceil
I was thinking about your trees…and thinking that the ones who hang on to their leaves too long may be sorry because when a big snow or ice storm comes along the leaves cause extra weight on the branches and may cause them to break from the heavy load. So perhaps the lesson there is to let go of the added baggage before the storms of life get bigger and heavier…so that we will be better prepared to weather the storm…
Just a thought…although I love to see the beautiful colored leaves last as long as possible too…but sometimes we have to be willing to make sacrifices to help us endure the difficult times ahead. I loved your message…really made me think about deeper things than just the trees. Very well written my friend.
Hi Pam! Isn’t it wonderful to be inspired by nature? It made you think of the overloaded leaves. A great insight! I find endless messages in the world that God created. (and my family too!)
Thank you for your kind words about the post Pam. I really do appreciate the support. It’s always so nice to see you here 🙂
Have a blessed Monday,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
nice to see you back. I love the diversity in nature and in people, whether those in the world or brothers and sisters. Everything and everyone has it’s purpose, and regarding those in Christ Jesus I believe if we each share our experiences and testimonies then there is always someone who can relate to it. God is omnipresent and His word is the only judge, and is there to encourage the individual in every situation.
God bless.
Hi Brenda! It’s nice to be back, except it is wickedly cold out today. Oh well, better to get caught up on my blog reading, right?
I really agree that everything and everyone has a purpose, and I love finding lessons in nature. You are so right that God is the only judge through his Word, and that he also encourages. To be like him, I need to be encouraging too.
Thank you for your comment today, it’s always so nice to see you,
Ceil
I love how God reveals our hearts to us in such gentle and beautiful ways. There are times we are blind to our sins but when seek God, He will show us the planks in our eyes. I know He’s removed many of them from my own eyes and there are plenty more that need surgical removal.
Hi TC! I had to chuckle at your ‘surgical removal’ remark. I think you have explained hard times to me. Maybe that is the way the Lord encourages me to drop the things I don’t need and get back to reality! (Including planks!)
Have a wonderful day my friend,
Ceil
Well, you’ve done it again, my friend…you have such a gift of pulling out great truth and wisdom in things that we just normally take for granted. What a wonderfully insightful post. When our God created the earth and all things in it, He certainly equipped them with everything they would need to survive, didn’t He? Great post!
Hi Debby! Aww, thank you so much. I really love to learn from nature, it’s so packed with wisdom if I’d only take the time to think about it.
I know you love nature too, your photos are so lovely!
Have a great afternoon my friend,
Ceil
I love this spiritual analogy, Ceil. I hadn’t thought it in this way. I especially love how you point out that the main thing is if our foundation is in God and love is present. Amen! When I see bare trees, I think of how the nutrients are going towards the roots. The trees may look dead, but their roots are growing ever deeper so they can endure what lies ahead. If we are rooted firmly in Christ, we can face anything, can’t we? Thank you, Ceil, for enlightening me today. 🙂
Hi Trudy! Nice! I love the root analogy to our own lives. Thank you!
If we are rooted in Christ, we can do anything he asks us to do. He wants us to thrive and follow his love example. What a lovely world it would be if we all behaved like Him.
Always great to see you!
Ceil
Ceil, I don’t know if you have yet or not but I think you ought to put together a devotional book! Your post are so insightful! Thank you!
Hi Monica! Actually, I am started to edit some of my blogposts for a little collection. You are such an encouragement to me, thank you!
God bless,
Ceil
Ceil, a great message that I thoroughly enjoyed! I love how you looked at the trees and gleaned this wonderful truth. Yes, we are all like those trees, unique in our own ways, our own histories, our own responses to life. I try not to judge others (most of the time I think I’m successful). We can never truly know the secrets in another person’s heart. Actually, we are often fooled by our own. Only God knows. And that is why He must guide us. I often pray to Him for wisdom – when to hold on, when to let go – when to speak, when to keep silent – when to act, when to pray. May He guide us through our winters, and may He help us bloom anew!!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! Oooh, I love that point you made about hardly knowing our own hearts. I really agree with that. As long as I live, I’ll never understand how I react to things sometimes. But God knew it before I was born.
And YES, God should guide me always. It’s up to me to have a good relationship with him. I think of myself sitting with him and just being quiet. May he pour his Spirit into me.
Have a great afternoon!
Ceil
Oh so glad you got to go visit with your sissy (*: )
burr– cold here today too..the leaves are frozen crunchy little..well big maple ..things laying on the deck and frosty grass..my mittens sure do feel good (:)
hugs,Patty
Hi Patty! Oh my gosh it’s so freezing! I was happy for my wool mittens as I walked into Target. I should have worn a scarf though…
Thanks for checking in! And my sister and I had a wonderful time together. Maybe a yearly event???
Have a peaceful evening,
Ceil
My Mom used to say, “given the right set of circumstances and the right frame of mind, “it” could happen to anybody”! The “it” is different for each of us, because I’ve been right there myself, doing something that I thought was so out of character for me….but, obviously it wasn’t!!! So, you are so right, Ms. Ceil….who am I to judge? Thanks for the reminder….and the sweet memory of when I was younger and my Mom giving me advice!
Hi Deb! Thank you for sharing your mother’s wise advice. Where would we be without our family? It’s good to try things and not judge the circumstances too much (unless it’s dangerous of course!) . Who knows what we are capable of unless we try?
Have a peaceful evening,
Ceil
I’m one of those that like to hang in there on those leaves of life. But you are so right, who are we to judge each other’s coping strategies? As long as our foundations are all in Christ, (and as you said, actively loving each other) there is no need to think we have all the answers.
I do like that promise that if I don’t judge, I won’t be!
Great post!
Hi Jerralea! I like the promise too. It’s a really good carrot for me, and certainly Jesus knew that too.
People are all so different and come from differing backgrounds and experiences. And you know, I can learn a lot from others. Different doesn’t mean bad!
Its a good thing to be thankful for, right?
Blessings,
Ceil
Oh oh…another thought provoking post….directly related to me (well..one would like to think so, lol). Thanks Ceil.
Hi Linda! Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. This post was meant for me too. That’s how I can write about it!
I’m glad you thought it was thought-provoking. It’s so nice that we can inspire each other 🙂
Have a peaceful evening,
Ceil
I tend to hold on too and know I am at a crossroads right now with some activities that need to be reduced or let go. What fascinates me also about the fall colors is that scientist say the oranges, red and yellow are there all the time – the green chloroform covers them up – ponder that one! ha! What am hidden beauty am I covering up by not allowing a change to evolve naturally? by fighting it? or denying it? man, you got me thinking tonight. ( :
Hi Jean! That is amazing! I have never heard that before about the leaves. Wow, I bet you’ll come up with all kinds of reflections based on that.
Isn’t it fun to think about things like that?
Great to see you tonight!
Ceil
Both my husband and I have been facing decisions like this. Do we stay the course (hold on), or do we forge a new path (let go of those leaves)? This post resonated with me. We’re seeking God’s wisdom, and this post just hit that spot of comfort and refreshing. Thank you for that, Ceil.
Hi Robin! I’m so glad you could relate to this post. I think we all struggle with decisions, and then feel judged for them too. No one knows your unique struggles and challenges, we all have to make the best decisions we can.
I like how you say you are looking for God’s wisdom. If you are, then you will find it. Father’s are like that!
Happy Tuesday 🙂
Ceil
My dear Ceil, the Lord has blessed you with an amazing way to look at daily things in life and apply them in a spiritual manner – it is very refreshing and uplifting, my friend.
Once again, you have blessed my heart. Love and hugs to you!
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for your kind words about the post. It is fun to find messages in nature. So much of what’s around me teaches about the love and care of God.
Have a wonderful Tuesday my friend,
Ceil
Another great message, Ceil! And I sure do miss seeing the leaves change in the fall!
Hi Marcia! When I lived in Tucson, I missed the obvious changes of the Midwest seasons, so I know what you mean.
Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful Tuesday 🙂
Ceil
What a beautiful object lesson you’ve discovered! Now, as I walk around my neighborhood and see the trees, I’ll have a visual reminder that I shouldn’t judge (something that is just. so. easy. to. do.). We are all on a journey, and no two journeys look alike.
Hi Anita! Oh yes, judgement is something we all do, whether we recognize it or not. Of course, some of it is vital, like ‘should I cross the street now?’. But most of it is just a way to feel better about myself, or put down someone else. Yuck.
We are all on a journey, so true. Let’s walk our way and encourage each other!
Have a great day!
Ceil
Ceil, I just noticed your button to the side, it is beautiful. I remember talking with you about those way back when. Seems like a hundred years ago now. 🙂 Love how you weave your story together with everyday circumstances on how the Lord uses nature and life to teach us valuable lessons. Judgement is one of the most important ones, in my opinion.
We are the church to the people who do not know Christ; if we lead with judgement, we chase them away before we ever allow them to hear His message of salvation.
Hi Kim! I remember talking about buttons too! You were always ahead of the curve my friend, I’m just trying to catch up. I’m glad you think it’s pretty though 🙂
Good point about chasing people away. Judgement never works out very well, that’s for sure. Everyone is hurt, even the judger. Let’s just walk in his light and encourage one another.
Have a sunny day!
Ceil
What a wonderful picture you paint about the trees and their behaviours; and the lessons we learn from them. You really have a great way of drawing lessons from what you see around you.
One lesson I learnt from the trees is that if they bend slightly in the strong wind they are likely to survive; whereas if they stand tall and strong, yet have poor roots (values) they will soon be up-rooted and fall.
God bless you, Ceil.
Hi Victor! I have heard about the bending tree too. I think it’s a wonderful way to say that we have to adapt to the cold and hard winds in our lives. And without firm roots, we will be torn up. That’s a great analogy, thank you!
Have a great day my friend,
Ceil
Ceil, you are amazing! How do you come up with these perfect analogies? I love them all!
Hi Patty! Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them. I think it’s all the Holy Spirit. I certainly wouldn’t think of these ideas all by myself! I’m thankful that He speaks so clearly sometimes 🙂
Hope it’s warmer today in Texas?
Blessings,
Ceil
Yes Ma’am! Good word today! 🙂
Our job is not to Judge, that is God’s…. Our job is not to convict, that is the Holy Spirit’s….. Our job is to LOVE! – Billy Graham said that and I try to live my life that way too! Always a joy to visit your blog. Thanks for stopping by mine today too! Blessings to you! xo
Hi Danise! Yes, we were made to love. And there are many times that I fall short of that. I guess that’s why I need to reminded so much of how important it really is.
I enjoy your blog too! God is good to have brought us together, right? Yes Ma’am 🙂
Happy Wednesday!
Ceil
I love this Ceil. You are so right too. Judging is a slippery slope.
It’s funny though, I used to be sooooo judgmental before I accepted Christ but now I’m far from it. He’s obviously working in me.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Blessings to you.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! Isn’t it wonderful how God teaches us to be more loving? I have a LONG way to go, but I know how merciful he is. I hope to be like that…
Thank you for visiting Jennifer. I always love to see you 🙂
Ceil
great observation and spiritual lesson.
Hi Dee!
Thank you so much. I’m so glad you liked the post. Thank you for visiting!
Have a peaceful evening 🙂
Ceil
Everyday we are faced with the choice of holding on or letting go in the many decisions that we make. How easy it would be to remind ourselves that Jesus is our rock and our faith in Him is all we need when we face decisions. I love the analogy of the Fall trees as they go through the process of preparing for winter. Blessings friend!
Hi Mary! I know that if I remember to include God in my decisions, I would make much better ones, that’s for sure. I think I’ll be working on that for the rest of my life!
Thank you for your kind words Mary. Have a wonderful Wednesday 🙂
Ceil
Oh this is just so very important to all Christians Ceil!!! Judging is saturating our culture and it takes great faith and grace to draw upon God’s truth and perspective in how we view others. AMEN to this message!!
Hi Chris! Thank you for that ‘amen’! I know I do plenty of judging, but I have to stop myself just as I begin. Why do I do that???
I pray for the grace to be a loving child of God, and good sister to all my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you for reading two posts and commenting twice too 🙂
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
Thank you for your beautiful post 🙂 I love how our Lord speaks into our hearts in a way He knows us the best.
As I was reading your post, I also felt our Lord guide my thoughts in trusting Him through those winter moments. We can hang on with all our might, but sometimes we just have to let go, and allow God to work, as we rely on His strength, and allow Him to restore us.
Thank you for encouraging my heart.
Blessings
Hi Anita! You are so right about that. The Lord just knows what will impress each of us. We are so different! But he knows us all so well.
I’m really glad this post was an encouragement. Thank you for telling me, because then I am encouraged too.
Have a great weekend 🙂
Ceil
I’m remind of – I believe it was James 4:12 – where we are told that God is the only one who can judge a brother. Judging is, in a sense, playing God.
Hi Loren! That would have been the perfect Scripture partner to this post. And when you put it that way, “playing God”, it gives it even more weight. Eww. Who would dare want to do that?
Thank you for reading two posts and commenting too. I appreciate you!
Blessings,
Ceil