Checking Your Heart for Leaf Scars

Gazillions of leaves are falling . . .
Into my yard.
On my roof.
Under my doormat (?).
All over my car.
In my outdoor glider.

One time a bunch even descended upon me (and in my shirt) as I left my house.

Why in the world are these leaves attacking me and others en masse?
Because it’s Autumn.

Technically, it’s because there is less sunlight and water, the tree stops making food and grows a seal which disconnects the leaf from the tree. This is a protective measure the tree “instinctively” makes in order to help itself survive the winter.

More in-depth answers are available to the autumn questions at kidzone. Also your kiddos will enjoy the following autumn projects like . . .

• Solving the On-Line Maple Leaf Jigsaw Puzzle,
• Starting a leaf collection,
• Viewing autumn leaves, and
• Printing tree coloring pages.

So what does all this have to do with anything relevant to my life as a Believer?

There are times in my life when it feels like autumn.
I lose my leaves, my sense of connection with my core, my energy. I shut down for a season. These leaves can be my composure, joy, temper, courage, integrity, commitments. I bet you can name some more.

A tree in this cycle is healthy. When I’m in this cycle, not so healthy.

It always happens when I move myself (not always intentionally) away from the light of the Son and water of the Word. If this goes on for a spell, a seal forms around my heart.

At the point where the stem of the leaf is attached to the tree, a special layer of cells develops and gradually severs the tissues that support the leaf.

In my heart, these layers are caused by fatigue, unbelief, anger, pain, fear, overload. And when I don’t regularly feed myself with truth, as found in God’s word, I lack the ability to take care of myself properly. I feel severed from God’s leading.*

When the leaf is finally blown off by the wind or falls from its own weight, it leaves behind a leaf scar.

I’ve got leaf scars! Too many are the result of my own choices.

But I am grateful that God is . . .

• the Master of autumn and spring and every season.
• stronger than any protective seal I allow to come between us.
• constantly wooing me back into right relationship with Him, with others and with myself.

Sisters, if you are in an autumn season . . .

• Drink some water – the Bible.
• Sit in the Sun (Christ) for a bit.
• Tell Him how you feel.
• Ask for His help.
• Dare to share with a friend what the layers are.
• Seek prayer from others.
• Unload your life.

It’s that simple. And it’s that hard.

Autumn is about positive, protective, preparation for winter. It’s good for a tree to drop its business all over – everywhere.

When our autumn means we protect ourselves from God, others, ourselves, and when it means we drop our business all over – everywhere, it means trouble. But it is trouble that has an answer.

Will you join me in believing that God really has the answers for a good life?

Let’s use this earthly autumn to see where our hearts are going dormant.

Your Turn . . . 

• What are some of the layers you’re carrying around?
• How may I encourage you?
• Pray for you?
• Call or email me if you’d like to talk privately.

Remember, It’s that simple. And it’s that hard.

But no matter how I feel, I am never severed, as a Believer, from His grace, love and mercy. Nor can I ever be snatched from His hand.

Related Posts . . .

• 5 Reasons I Love Fall
• From Sticks to Twig Christmas Tree
• Honoring gods or God
• poisoned perfume

NOTE: This is an updated post from 2006.