Seasons of growth…

The colours of the changing season are upon us again.  I have always loved autumn.  The gold, orange and red of the leaves falling to lay a spectacular carpet for the new season to make its entry.  The crisp fresh touch of the air.  The promise of new things to come.

I love autumn, but I guess I’m not so keen on winter.  The days are shorter and the nights are longer.  The crisp air turns to cold and bitter.  The spectacular gown the trees once wore disappears to reveal a grey skeleton.

I wonder why we can’t have summer, autumn and spring, and not bother with the winter?  The answer is in the trees.  I was interested to learn when a deciduous tree loses its leaves in winter, and appears to be miserable and lifeless, it is actually growing.  In fact, the winter growth is crucial to its existence.  In the winter season the tree develops and grows its root system.  Particularly for a younger tree this is the time when it establishes its foundation, strength and security for growth in the spring and summer.  Without winter the tree would not survive and be fruitful.

We all have winter seasons.  Times that feel cold and bitter.  Times when it seems we haven’t felt the warm touch of the Son for a long time.  Times when our coats of many colours are replaced with shades of grey.  These are the times we trust in the unseen.  These are times of growth in the hidden and sacred places.  These are the times when God prepares us for the seasons ahead.

The Good Book tells us those in touch with God will flourish, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in heaven like places.  They will still bear fruit, even in old age.  They will stay fresh and green.  Their very existence will proclaim the goodness of God.