Trees serve many purposes. In the summer, they give shade to keep people cool. In the fall, the trees represent beauty through their many colorful leaves. In the spring, the budding life of trees are a fresh relief from the cold winter. But then, in the winter, trees are dark, lonely structures, with no evidence of life at all, yet, they are simultaneously strikingly beautiful. They serve as a reminder of the potential within things that do not seem to have much to offer.
Lessons from the Trees
One of the greatest gifts trees provide are the lessons they can teach us. Trees show us how we can live with beauty and purpose in every season. As Christians, we will experience times of growth, bursting forth with new fruit. These are exciting times, where we should rejoice and make the most of them because we know they will not last forever. Just as the seasons change and the trees lose their fruit, we will not always experience this season of fruit which is why we should make the most of them. As the Bible says in John 9:4, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
While trees show us the importance of being intentional during the seasons of fruit, they also show us that during seasons when there is less evidence of God at work, it does not mean He is not doing great things. Every season has its purpose and beauty. Even in the winter when the trees look dead, it is actually a season of needed preparation for the next great season of life that will soon burst forth new growth and new fruit. Truly, there is a season for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3), and we should not despise any of them.
The Seasons of Life
We can see the great beauty and value of every season when comparing tree cycles with human life.
The springtime represents a time of health and vigor. It is the time to work, to serve, to labor for God’s Kingdom. Often, much fruit is born in this season. The summer of life is a time of maturity, deep roots, and strength. It is a time in which shade is given for others and when we most likely have the most to offer. In the Autumn, we have the opportunity to share what we have learned about the glory of God throughout our lifetime. There is a richness and fullness to our life during this season that can bring great value to the lives of others.
Winter may not look as beautiful as other seasons, but there is a powerful reality in having the beautiful and exciting aspects of our lives stripped away while continuing to stand tall and firm for Christ. It is a beautiful testimony to remain rooted in Christ when the branches begin to break and vitality begins to wane. Despite lack of exciting growth, evident fruit, or the glorious beauty of other seasons, one remains rooted in Him. When we finish the seasons well, God is glorified.
For Everything There is a Season
In many ways, the seasons can be seen as times of evangelism, discipleship, mentoring, and finishing well. All are times of great value and purpose, and all can bring glory to God.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
May every season of our lives be used for the glory of God.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.