You know, God is so good. He can give you a little nugget then bring different perspectives out of that little nugget. Expounding on the earlier "Leave-ing" note that I shared with the folks on Facebook, God brought the life of the leaf to my mind.
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The leaf (leaves), like the Christian, starts out tender, green, and fresh. They hold on to the Creator and enjoy the newness of life. As they grow, they toughen up to the elements. On bright and sunny days, they can be seen and heard waving gaily on the gentle breezes. On dark, stormy days, they cling fiercely to the Creator, holding on for dear life...life itself. They weather the storms and the heat, the sun broiling down on them throughout the long, dry summers.
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Then, they near the end of their life. Having clung to their Saviour, their Creator, their sustainer, their Protector, they prepare to exit this Old World. The winds may pick up, but their songs can still be heard as they give up the Ghost. Brightly and gloriously they magnify and praise the Redeemer until the very end.
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Being a nurse, I've seen the Hand of Death come for collection. I've cried softly beside a sweet, elderly lady as the peace surrounded us when she slipped off of this earthly vine and went to be with the Eternal Vine (John 15:5-Jesus said I am the vine, ye are the branches). What grace and mercy, what glory to God when His saints leave this world, shining brightly for Him even until the end, just as those simple leaves do in the Autumn.... |
