Fall leaves offer an example of beauty in the face of death and resurrection. Without their changing of color, falling, and dying and decomposing, there would be less growth in the spring when the snow melts and everything starts growing again.
We, too, experience death and resurrection on a regular basis; “little deaths” can lead to new life later, such as graduation, changing jobs, retirement, saying goodbye to a loved one, or relocating.
It can be tempting to want to fast forward to the greenery of spring, but fall is a natural part of nature’s life cycle—just as it is a natural part of our lives. There is beauty in both parts—in the gorgeous changing leaves, and in the delightful new plant life that the fallen and decomposing leaves help grow.
The disciples thought that Jesus’ death on the cross was the end—but resurrection, for both Jesus and for his followers, came afterwards. Whenever we experience a “little death” in our lives, we can remember that resurrection and new life is right around the corner.
This message is excerpted from “Leaves” by Becca Ehrlich from the October 27, 2022, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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