Sunday, October 25, 2015

First Trees


        A familiar catch of wonder grips me as the colors--burnished hues of yellow, orange, and red—come into view.  Set against a green landscape, the first trees of fall draw me into the hushed and holy presence of Beauty.  Such artistry our God creates!
        Driving up and down Bartlesville’s side streets in pursuit of Saturday morning yard sales, I notice each neighborhood’s first trees:  the ones with crimson mingled in with yellow and orange.  Is red the last gasp of life before the crunchy, brown leaves that litter the lawns? 
        My morning of driving, then stopping, then driving again seems like an analogy for life.  I am following the signposts to each goal, but the way there is winding and unexpectedly full of wonder.  I enjoy the journey as much as the destinations, which yield their own surprises.  I rather like following signs instead of charting a route beforehand.
        And today I reap a multi-colored harvest:  pale blue summer dress, navy flowered T-shirt, and velvet green tunic top for myself; headband with a pink flower as well as a Hello Kitty placemat for my granddaughter; and Monster vs. Aliens for my family.
        After lunch and a nap, I take a walk through my neighborhood.  My predetermined route will last another week, I hope.  Once the leaves have fallen from my favorite first tree, I will no longer plan my walks to take in its glory.  Each day the red increases, working down from the top branches to mingle with fading yellow, burnt orange, and summer green.  After this tree’s last leaf falls, I will let the signs of autumn lead me to new adventures.
       
       

        

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