Lessons from the Leaves / Mrs Debbie Copeland

Mrs Debbie Copeland

Faithfully Serving at 

Northwest Bible Baptist Church 

Elgin, IL

LESSONS FROM THE LEAVES 

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planteth by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 

As I write this, it is the beginning of September and autumn is soon upon us. Personally, I believe autumn is one of the more beautiful seasons. My family and I lived in Connecticut for 2-1/2 years and had the privilege of enjoying the vibrant colors that New England offers. I always thought that the bright colors found on calendar photos were touched up…but they aren’t!!!

In the springtime, the leaves begin as tiny buds. New life bursts forth as a little green leaf. When a person accepts Jesus as Saviour, she, too, springs forth like the little green leaf of spring.

As the season progresses, the temperatures increase, and the warm rains begin, the little leaves grow. When a baby Christian begins to read her Bible, attend church, and get involved, she begins to grow in the Lord. The new life becomes more evident. Perhaps a little rain, or adversity, comes to make her stronger.

The sunshine and heat of summer cause the leaves to become mature – full-sized and green. The leaves join together to provide shade for all who rest below their cover. As the new Christian moves on through this season, she matures and increases in knowledge. She is active and perhaps begins to provide shade for others as she focuses on their needs by serving in ministry.

The autumn leaves are the most splendid of all – rich colors of red, yellow and orange. It is at this stage that they show forth God’s handiwork in a most vibrant way even though their time on the trees is fleeting. The Christian is still serving, still being faithful, although at a slower pace. She vibrantly shows forth the work the Lord has done in her. She shares her wisdom, trains those in the spring and summer of their lives.

The seasons would not be complete without winter when the leaves have become withered and have fallen from the trees. Their lives have ended. Their work is done. The Christian has served faithfully and has gone on home to be with her Lord.

Have you ever taken leaves from the autumn season and pressed them in a book? They leave a legacy of beauty behind that helps us remember that they were faithful through the rains and wind and heat. They fulfilled the purpose for which God made them.

What kind of legacy will YOU leave? Will it be a colorful one that will remind others to serve faithfully – to follow in your footsteps?