The leaves turn orange and brown, and what was once alive and thriving with green now falls to the ground. The mixture of colors creates a sight to behold on once bare grass. Such is the way of this season.

We are much the same…this going through seasons.

She, who was lively and vibrant, fades and withers. She spirals slowly to the ground, remaining there for a time.

He, who held on strong when the winds blew, now drifts downward. He wonders if he’ll stay there forever.

When on the ground, we can’t see that we are part of a beautiful picture being created during that season.

The fall turns into winter. The bitter winds of change seem to last forever. Death hovers, and is almost certainly welcome. Clinging to hope seems futile.

We can’t realize what it is we’re being prepared for in those seemingly deathly days.

Just when we think we’re done…useless…we look upward to see new buds springing forth. New life…second chances. The weight of heaviness now fallen away, allowing us to get back up…to be vibrant and strong again.

And we are the picture of grace.