Rusty gold pine needles carpeted the winding mountain road. The gusts of wind from an approaching cold front came strong and sure, buffeting the needles, sending them swirling into the underbrush where they settled for a cold winter’s rest.
I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit. “Lord, what is the message here? What are You trying to show me?”
I stood still, bracing myself against the wind. As I watched the pine needles, I pondered the ways of God. I thought of His eternal purposes in all things. I thought of His resurrection power. I thought of how we must die in order to live…and then I thought of Ecclesiastes Three:
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven – an eternal purpose in all things.
In their deadness, the rusty gold pine needles surrendered to the blustery wind and settled where it commanded. In their own little pine needle way, they embraced their purposes for this season. It’s because of their deadness, their brokenness of falling, and their promenade at the hands of the wind – it is because of those circumstances the pine needles carry on their purpose. For the winter season, their steadfastness in God’s plan will blanket the earth against the bitter cold, protecting and preparing the soil for the new growth come spring.
I’m learning to surrender to the blustery wind of winter – the wind who carries the voice of the Lord into my broken, dead places. It’s in the surrender that we find the purpose. It’s in the surrender that the brokenness protects and prepares our hearts for the new growth come spring.
It’s in the surrender. SELAH
*Photo credit: sudburytrails.info
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to listen to a really cool song by Tim Hughes. It’s called “Ecclesiastes” and it will bless you tremendously.
Nan, I know I've told you before, but I want you to know how sincerely I mean it: You are a gifted writer! Your word pictures are lyrical, painting engaging visions of the truth you're sharing. God bless you as you continue your journey!
Vonda, you'll never know how much this means to me. Wow! Thank you so very much. I give praise to the One who has touched me.