Yesterday morning I awoke to a wintery surprise outside my windows: snow! White flakes were gently falling from the sky above, adding another layer to the thin blanket that already covered my yard. As I gazed outside, marveling at the serene beauty, I was, as I so often am this time of year, struck by the sight of the trees. Bleak. Barren. Desolate. Stripped. Fragile. Dead. Their barren beauty, highlighted all the more by the snow outlining their naked frame, spoke to my heart and reminded me of a moment I had when I lived in Crested Butte.
Here is an edited version of what I wrote about that moment on January 17, 2003:
During my ski break a few days ago, I was alone on a lift just enjoying the beauty of the day. It was superb! Deep blue skies, barely any wind, and fresh snow on the mountain... a truly stunning day! As I rode along, I began thanking he Lord for His beauty captured in this moment, beauty that spoke of His awesome power and unfailing love.
About this time, I noticed the trees. The aspen lose their leaves and stand naked throughout the winter, while the evergreens remain wrapped in their blanket of leaves. Though the beauty of the snow-capped evergreens was a captivating sight, it was the twiggy aspen trees that captured my attention.
As I looked at the aspen, I was struck at how they stood. Picture a person with their hands held high in praise, or a child grasping for the special treat a parent is handing down, reeeeeaching for whatever it is, sure it is a treasure. That is what these aspen resembled. They looked as though their hands were raised in praise to their Creator, reaching for every good thing He had to give them. I felt as though the words of Isaiah 55 were coming to life before my eyes!
"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12
A glorious sight made even more poignant by what sunk in next. The aspen that so captivated my attention were barren. Having been stripped of their leaves, the leaves that help make these trees so unique and lovely, they stood, twigs glaring against the snow, barren, bleak, and desolate. And yet, they stood in a posture of praise.
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
As I sat watching these trees burst into a song of praise before me, I was reminded that though I may occasionally feel as these trees look - stripped, barren, bleak, and desolate - I should resemble them in another fashion as well: arms raised high in praise, reaching for the One who graciously bestows all that we need and every good thing. How I need to take on their posture in all seasons of life!
I admit, I don't always feel so inclined to do this! In fact, giving thanks amidst a winter season of life can make this task exceptionally difficult, excruciating to do. However, Scripture can encourage us in these times. The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10). For those who are in Christ, we are further promised an abundant life (John 10:10). Abundance rarely comes without its trials, but those light and momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17) - as hard as that may seem to believe in the trial!
God has a reason for every season (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and seasons of what seem like barrenness and desolation might be necessary in order to have a season of "leaves." I know I all too often forget this reality! Furthermore, I have learned that seasons of barrenness, bleakness, and desolation offer the sweet blessing of knowing and loving God for God and not just His blessings. May we be willing to receive such a gift, trusting that our heavenly Father knows best.
I'm thankful for the twiggy branches of the trees that remind me of eternal truths. I pray you and I both are given the grace, mercy and strength to give thanks in ALL circumstances for we can rest assured that this is God's will for us in Christ. It may just be that praising God despite our circumstance is what yields an eternal perspective and ruthless trust to enable us to face our trials and afflictions, our fears, our bleak seasons with hope, truth, and peace.
Never forget your heavenly Father loves you passionately and furiously, even in life's winters! Whatever your season, learn from these barren trees and take on a posture of praise. May you go forth in joy and be led forth in peace... may you be able to see glimpses of His beauty even in desolation.
Thankful,
Jessica
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