by Desiree Bustamante

We see God’s faithfulness in all seasons of creation.

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“You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!”     
Isaiah 55:12 New Living Translation

In spring and summer, trees produce an abundance of chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color. As days get shorter and cooler in the fall, the yellow and orange pigments become visible. These pigments are in the leaf all summer, but the green chlorophyll masks them. Red and purple colors come from anthocyanin created by the tree in the fall when sugars are trapped in the leaves.

Weather affects the final color as sunny days and cool nights make the brightest hues, while rainy and cloudy days limit sugar production, making leaves dull. After it freezes, the color change ends and the leaves dry out.

Like the amazing process God created for trees, we go through many spiritual changes in our lives. Sometimes we flourish like the green leaves of spring steadily growing in faith.

As our faith matures and we walk more closely with the Lord, our hearts are filled with His presence, producing an abundance of fruit for His kingdom.

During times of grief and sorrow, heavy hearts feel dry and disconnected from God. This season might be an invitation to slow down and find rest, peace, and renewal in Christ, much like trees rest in winter. But God is faithful to restore our hope and provide us with renewal like spring leaves again.

God promises to be present in all seasons of our lives, both delightful and demanding. And, as we approach our final cycle of life, we can trust in His promises that a new and amazingly vibrant existence awaits us with our Savior in heaven.

As you walk among leaves and admire God’s creation in every season, let it remind you of the awesome plan He set forth, from the beginning of the world to the glorious finish we all will have one day!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado