Take it or Leaf it

I want to write today about the beautiful maple that stands in my front yard.  
                                                         

Isn't she lovely? Even today as she is being weighed down by the latest snowfall, she is majestic.  Notice how she stands out amongst the other trees.  Taller, branches that reach to the highest heights, (well, or the heights that my camera can capture).  If you walk a little closer you'll notice something that at this distance you cannot see.  She is full of holes, I mean tons, from years of providing maple syrup for a local maker.  Her bark is falling off and cracked in several places.  Some of her limbs have broken off, leaving only a bump on her side as a reminder.  This beautiful maple has weathered years of unpredictable moments.  She has been home to countless birds, provided hope in Springtime as her branches start to green and shade in the Summertime as the temperature turns up.  In the fall she provides a beautiful canopy of orange as her limbs become exposed once again and her leaves reach the ground.

I wish we all had the courage to be like this maple.  When life provides a storm, we embrace it and dig our roots in deep.  We weather the seasons of life with grace and strength realizing that each season has beauty if we take the time to see it.  Let's stop and see those moments.  So I guess in this case..... if life gives you lemons, make some maple syrup. :)

 

 

 

 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:4