Autumn Leaves

…And the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2

Wow, we have stepped into the month of October and the months of 2019 appears to have just raced by, I can still remember Christmas 2018 wrapping paper!  October proudly sees the autumn wafting in among us as the summer seems all but a memory.  We are definitely reminded of this season when the shorter days and longer nights tease us into preparing for the winter.  Added to this visible change, long periods of torrential rain and blustering winds ushers us reluctantly into settings where we exchange viruses at unwelcoming speed. 

(If you missed this months script-time click here )

The biggest changes for me is noticing how leaves are promptly changing their outer garments into an array of intense colours as they gracefully influence grey skies into showing empathy during the preparation of winter.  These environmental changes due shorter days and cooler temperatures trigger some leaves to exchange their green suits into spectacular yet, complimentary outfits revealing well-furnish hues of orange, red and gold attires.  This art work can be observed on vegetation positioned all around us in open spaces, but have you spotted these changes alongside buildings, abandoned vehicles right here within your community?  Throughout this month of October do take a look and be a witness to this living, stunning renovation we seldom take note of.

We all know that leaves annually undergo this majestic transformation as nature takes this stance but are you aware that each leaf colour has distinctive roles in the protection and future development of the host plant?  It is debated that the redder the leaves, the more sun they would have to absorbed to provide nutrients required to sustain the trunk, soil surrounding the roots.  Trees need leaves at this time of the year to stock pile on light for when there is less sun over the winter months. 

I’ve also recognised that these annual transformations alert some birds and butterflies inbuilt sat-navs to instinctively fly towards warmer climates.  Here, Mother Nature dispatches large numbers of wild life on vacation to indulge in exotic food, favourable temperatures, relax and reproduce.  While at home creatures too are encouraged by these seasonal changes to stock pile on food, grow thicker fur coats or hibernate.

Like nature we are not exempt from unconsciously starting to stock pile by wearing extra layers, have stodgier meals, reap produce for our store cupboards and reduce our outdoor activities.   However, let us also stock pile on colourful ways of helping others right where we live, shining our light on the homeless, the ill and those in despair. 

As Christians, when God changes our environment it triggers us to show off His beauty to then illuminate His Light in the darkness.  God is extremely keen for us all to emulate His way for helping those who are hurting, in need or lost.   How are you providing nutrients of help in your community?

As Mother Nature is the dial for living creatures to prepare and plan for the darker months, individuals within our communities need to see the beautiful colours of people alerting them of Hope in their season of darkness.   They need be aware of their in-built Sat Nav waiting to be activated by our colours, enabling them to shift their positions to finding hope and mental rest.  Are we absorbing The Light of Jesus so that we can affect and provide support for those who are facing darker times in the lives?  Jesus reminds us in Matthew 15:13-16 that we are salt and light in the world. 

Leaves are equipped for the role they play in this season, a self-less act of being a source of provision for the upcoming winter months ahead.  They perform this magnificent feat with grace and beauty.  We are reminded in the Bible to carry out such tasks of helping others with humility in Philippians 2:3 &4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Actions

What colours are you displaying in your community?

How are you actively planning and preparing to help those who may be facing mental distress within your community? 

Proverbs 3:27 (NIV) Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

As we take note of the changes this month with nature, let us also use this month to see how our light can be a beacon to someone in need.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Angela Life Essence Mental Health Adviser