Consider the Leaves
Today I write to you with a joy-filled heart because it’s fall y’all.
I have always deeply appreciated autumn time here in the Bluegrass. We say goodbye to the stale and oppressive humidity of the hot southern summer as the air fades into a crisp fall breeze. Local apple orchards and pumpkin patches grace us with delectable treats, hayrides, and evening bonfires alive with mirth and laughter. For the fashion lovers, cozy sweaters and peacoats make their debut for the world to see and, of course, the children daydream about their Halloween costumes and the endless supply of candy just around the corner.
What’s not to love about this time of year in the Bluegrass?
A few weekends ago I had the privilege of hiking in the Red River Gorge with some friends here at Redeemer Community Church. As per usual, the Red was teeming with life, as the rock climbers and hikers have made their annual migration to enjoy the cooler temperatures, and of course, the breathtaking scenery. Fortunately for us, we found ourselves on a mostly vacant trail that led to a rock outcropping with a near 360 degree view; it was absolutely stunning. Tired from hiking, the four of us decided to lay down for a bit and take in the raw beauty of Mother Nature.
Like most good mothers, nature always has a way of soothing the soul. And perhaps more welcoming than the beauty of her face is the sound of her voice. As we laid there, the birds sang their afternoon songs; the trees danced back and forth in a gentle breeze, and the leaves whispered across the valley to each other. It was pure serenity.
Captivated by the splendor of it all, it only seemed fitting to search for the Father’s voice as we relished in his creation. Without skipping a beat my dear friend Gary, discerning that the time was right, turned to Psalms 19 and read aloud:
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”
In a single act of unsurpassable brilliance God spoke everything into being. And as a response the Psalmist teaches us that in a synchronous symphony of sound, all of creation joins together to proclaim the goodness of God. From the ebb and flow of the ocean tides to the glimmering light of distant stars, everything sings praise to the One who made it all.
Fall time in the Bluegrass is no different. The great deciduous forests of Kentucky join the chorus with their own unique tune, as the green leaves of Summer transform into an array of yellows, pinks, purples, and oranges in perhaps, what very well may be, the only natural display of neon to rival a Kentucky sunset. But what does this great phenomenon mean? How can the changing of the trees bring praise to the Creator? What words of praise do the trees sing forth?
They sing none other than the gospel message itself! For only through the Fall of the leaves is the new life of Spring made possible! As the leaves slowly die, their sacrifice leads to the bleakness of a dreary, dead Winter; but oh what a beautiful sacrifice it is! For although winter is near, Spring is coming, and with it the burst of new life! Rolling hills dressed in yellow and purple; faint aromas of vanilla, lilac, and rose dancing through the meadows; and of course, the delicate but vibrant pinks of the Red Buds and Cherry Blossoms.
By the same token, isn’t it only through the sacrificial death of Christ that our new life is made possible? For only through his sacrificial death, laden with meaning and beauty, is an even more stunning reality made possible: That we too can share in the new life of Christ! While the falling leaves sing songs of his passion, the spring flowers hum the melody of his resurrection. And my friends, Spring is coming.
Of all the joys that Fall in the bluegrass has to offer, be reminded that nature itself proclaims the message of the gospel: That only through a single death is the beauty of new life possible. Enjoy this season, friends, and remember, Spring is just around the corner!
Nicholas Grounds