If a maple tree and a rabbit could talk…..
“Why are you crying?” asked Brown Bunny. The Maple tree sighed. “My leaves have turned and will soon fall away,” she said. “Of course Miss Maple. Just like they do every year,” said Brown Bunny as he nibbled on long blades of crunchy grass.
“Well, I wish for once, that I would stay forever green, like Mr. Pine,” said Miss Maple sadly. “Oh but why on earth would you desire to stay forever green?” asked Brown Bunny. “I would be beautiful all year round then Brown Bunny! But instead, I change from green to red. Every. Single. Year. And then, I stand bare all winter long.”
This was the conversation I had with Brown Bunny many years ago, and my life changed forever. This is what I learned.
Every spring I burst forth with newness of life, just like my risen Savior Jesus Christ rose from the dead. We celebrate His resurrection every springtime.
My leaves grow larger until they completely cover my bare branches. Like the grace of God covers man’s sin.
Now with my thick full leaves, you can rest in my shade when the heat of the day gets to be too much. As you also rest in the shadow of the almighty when this world makes your heart heavy.
Then Autumn comes, and God paints my leaves a brilliant red. His glory shines through us.
As my leaves begin to fall and I let all the dead things go, only then can I live again. Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I now stand bare, all of my weakness and scars can be seen. Then winter time comes and covers them with glistening snow, they sparkle like diamonds. I stand strong in Him, because I allowed my weakness and scars to be seen. He covered me with His grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Springtime is soon on it’s way, and my branches burst with new life. New green leaves cover my branches, the wind blows and I bow and clap my hands in praise. Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Seasons of life bring exciting, crazy and sometimes difficult changes but the Lord is a constant strength through it all. He is unchanging. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Love it! I really like the imagery of the trees.
Thanks Carissa!
A beautiful walk through the seasons. I often wonder how much of God’s blessing on my life I miss because I’m focused on the wrong things. More of Him!
Yes, sometimes it’s hard to make ourselves slow down and focus on Him!
This is such a poweful truth! “Sometimes we focus on the devil’s lies instead of focusing on the truth of God’s word. We become enslaved to the past and the bad things satan is doing instead of enjoying our freedom and the good things God is going to do. We are hurt by someone and we become bitter toward the very person God wants to change. We end up praying against them instead of for them.”
I learned several years ago, that when praying for someone the first thing I have to do is pray about my heart towards him/her.
I recently have been going thru the same thing. Thanks for stopping in!
i still can’t believe that it’s already fall!
Seems like summer flew by! Thanks for stopping by Andi!
<3 What a beautiful way to remember that even in the times that we don't think are the greatest God's goodness always shines through!
It does, I pray I can see the glory of God where we least expect it!
What creative writing and imagery! It is so important to let the dead things fall, and new seasons bloom! Thanks for this reminder!
Thanks for stopping by Ashlee and thanks so much for the kind words. I’m still learning to let the dead things fall away and sometimes I have to learn all over again. 🙂
I enjoyed how you used trees to give sensory ideas to this story. Great job. 🙂
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Thank you Brianna! This story came to me while I was playing with my grandson, he inspires me!
Pretty analogy. I love trees and the change in seasons. I liked how you talked about winter. Thank you!
Thanks Katy for your kind words. I love the change in seasons too, especially spring!
“He is unchanging.” Yes, He is! Nicely done!
Thank you Denise! I appreciate you sister!
Awesomeness
Thank you dear husband. I love you, thanks for all your support.