Trees’ behaviour changes with the seasons
It’s astounding to see how nature changes with the seasons. And deciduous woodlands (i.e. those with trees that shed their leaves annually) are one of the easiest places to watch it.
Things alter rapidly through autumn. As the days shorten green leaves turn red, brown, orange, ultimately crowning the woods in a glorious golden canopy. But make the most of this because as high winds lash at the branches, the leaves fall leaving a naked framework of branches and a mushy, decaying mulch below.
What a dead, dreary, scene you might think. What a barren landscape. How will spring ever come again? How can life come from death?
But in autumn the trees are actually getting ready to survive the harsh, dark, cold winter by becoming dormant. Everything within each tree slows down: metabolism, energy consumption, growth. They shed their leaves as they’re no longer needed to make food and would use energy to maintain. In effect the trees are resting and preparing themselves for new growth in spring.
The unwanted leaves left rotting below decay and enrich the soil around the trees. And when spring arrives, these dead parts help the woodland come to life again as the roots draw up nutrients to feed the trees.
After its winter slumber the wood awakens and there’s an explosion of life! Flowers grow, birdsong crescendos and trees burst with fresh green leaves in spring. Then summer warmth and rain produce a bounteous crop ripe for harvesting before, once again, we welcome back the vibrant hues of autumn.
We can learn from the trees
How wise the trees are to live like that. Resting at the right time so they can flourish and grow strong. We’d do well to take a leaf out of their book (or branches – ha ha…)
Did you know, rest is built into God’s creation plan? The first day after Adam and Eve were created was a day of rest (Gen 2: 1-3). And they originally lived from this place of rest – i.e. rest first, work later – rather than desperately needing to crash after completing their hard work.
What a wonderful way to be!
I don’t know about you, but this is certainly what I desire. And thank God that through His son Jesus Christ we can live in His rest.
God bless xx