Autumn Leaves
As I watch the Autumn leaves swirling on the ground and hear the honking of those last geese heading south, I am often filled with sadness! In wondering why, I realize that spring and summer are my two favourite seasons. I love my sweet peas and know that it will be a long time until I smell their fragrance again! As I watch the falling leaves I remember that God uses symbols in scripture for people of faith. As autumn leaves wither we are reminded that as Christians our leaves will not wither if we are rooted in God’s word and in His commands. Psalm 1:3 (NRSV) says ” They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do they prosper.”
God uses the parable of the Labourers in the vineyard to help us understand God’s generosity. Those who came at 5 o’clock received the same wage as those who laboured from early in the morning. Those who laboured longer had expectations of a higher wage and were angry exclaiming that it wasn’t fair. “Why should people who come at the last minute get the same wage?” Perhaps God was generous and looked at their desire to work. God knows the desire of our hearts. He blesses us continually and came to offer salvation to everyone. He left the 99 sheep to go after the one lost.
When I am tired and feeling entitled like those labourers who worked all day I find comfort in Psalm 16:11 “You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” May I always find delight in the Lord!”