Falling Leaves

By Ken Adams

I retired. I expected to have time for parties and fun events; and I do. But it seems I now attend more funerals than birthday parties and anniversaries combined. After I did the math, I realized I was closer to old age than I am closer to middle age. I suppose that has been true for a long time, but I have avoided the math. Now I have time to think about it. I’ve always known I was going to die, but now I am convinced of it.

I have resisted joining a golden agers group at my church for several years, but now I’m in. It’s more fun than attending funerals. It is actually a great experience., For instance, we recently went to Petit Jean Mountain to look at the leaves. We have leaves at home, but it is more fun looking at someone else’s. Plus, they are supposed to turn colors earlier than ours.

I don’t have many leaves in my own yard. We only just planted a tree a year ago. It doesn’t have many leaves. I may not even have to rake them if God answers my prayer for all 12 of them to blow into my neighbor’s yard.

When they turn color, I will worry that the tree has died, but probably only the leaves will die. The tree should survive to grow a new set in the spring. Leaves are beautiful as they die. Still, when they fall, they are dead.

It is strange that, though we must rake fallen leaves, God created beauty in death.

Though our grief often blurs it, there is also beauty in a Christian’s death.

Death is the end of suffering. It is the end of old age. Death is the doorway to a more fulfilling life. No more sickness. No more sorrow.

From God’s perspective death is a blessing. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). A blessing for Him and a blessing for us, for we will forever be in His presence.

As the tree remains, though it loses its leaves, our core being remains after death. Ultimately, God will decorate our soul with a new body. But unlike the annual shedding of trees, this body will never show signs of death. God “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body…” (Phil. 3:21 ESV).

(KendrickLAdams@gmail.com)