Two trees are planted in our simple yard. They are positioned prominently as remembrances to our deceased mothers. Knowing we are on the downside of our lives, it is hoped that these trees will display the beauty of God for generations to come. Yes, it was our way of sharing memorials of beloved mothers.We see this as a simple and meaningful gesture. Plant the trees, nurture them in the early years, and nature takes over.
For any species to survive in the Great Plains is a miracle. For two trees to battle and endure the harsh climes is amazing. Twenty four months ago, we stared out the kitchen window admiring the latest 6” of overnight snow fall. As always, the sturdy backyard tree survived the snow, ice, and 40 mph winds blowing south from the Canadian provinces. Mid winter and the soybean fields are now acres of dormant brown splotches. Falling burnt orange needles from the stand of blue spruce trees creates a protective bed for rabbits, squirrels, to hide during the arrival of inevitable blizzards.
As usual, Mother nature awakens us from the dreaminess of superficial observations. A furled, fatigued singular leaf catches our attention. It remains attached to a narrow limb on Grandma Gress’ otherwise barren maple tree. Strong! The leaf hangs on with a determination reminiscent of Grandma.What is the message? Each wintry morning, steaming Colombian coffee in hand, we gather at the window to see if our friend remains. Yes, December, January, February it is still attached.
What is the message? Is there a message?
We struggle to interpret what are Grandma Gress and God saying? Is she reminding us about her lifetime of strength, perseverance, indomitable religious faith.? She played such a major role in establishing our life values. Regrettably, on a gray March morning we jointly notice that the leaf has disappeared. Our friend has slipped away silently into the darkness of a frigid winter night. Sadness envelopes our hearts. Will the leaf return?
This winter has seen 19 days of unrelenting snow in the first 23 days of December. Temperatures are 6 or more degrees below normal. Snow storms seem endless. Beautiful white mounds become a curse when we daily grit our teeth and feel the brunt of early morning arctic cold. We apprehensively part the lace curtains and check to see if the driveway and deck are again covered with more of the white fluffy stuff. The surrounding forests and fields are again void of leaves and green color.
God takes us by the hands and leads us to the kitchen window to enjoy the beauty of His snow covered landscape. There it is again, a singular leaf clinging onto the same tree. An identical twin of the furled brown leaf from 2 years ago, it beckons for our attention. Again!Like its predecessor, this fragile gift of nature survives the impossible forces of harsh winter storms. The leaf faces us each time we look out the window. Is it smiling at us? Is this real or a product of our imaginations? A blessing? Fervent prayers for healing and perseverance have been heard and answered by God again and again as we have endured medical and other challenges in the 24 months since first being greeted by our leafy visitor. The leaf seems to reach out and encourages us to continue to pray, to have faith.
A freak of nature? Accidental, just a coincidence? We believe those with little faith may have a difficult time explaining away this remarkable happenstance. It is time for us to pray, to listen, to meditate. We have been blessed. May we welcome the spirit that rides with the leaf back into our lives and tell us what is wanted. Now is the time for us to sacrifice. We remain convinced that this is more than a coincidence!
Solitude – A single leaf by Christopher Flees. Used with permission.
rlhassociates 