The Stately Cottonwood in Autumn

Even though winter arrived before its scheduled appearance on the calendar and the featured cottonwood is devoid of leaves, I chose to post this autumnal offering this week. 

                Several times this autumn season, Mother and I viewed a gorgeous gold tree appearing to illuminate each trip between Ralston and the Bend. Our neighbors, Greg and Vonda Goad, mentioned glimpsing it quite a distance east of its location as they traveled back to their home in the Bend. Its stunning, stately brilliance stood silently but its seasonal message resounded loudly.

The stately cottonwood on the
Hightower place in Pawnee
County

                Striking colors of autumn signal the slow, gradual approach of the cold, brown winter. As with many others, I have drained and stored the garden hose and its cart. I made sure the brush and weeds around the stock tank are down even though Mother advised to “let Jack get it.” Thankfully, we have more hay than we have ever had on my watch. Dave Goad processed our hay. Caleb and Rick Rice helped on the hay front, too. A few inconsequential tasks remain unchecked on my “Prepare for Winter” mental list.

                God reminds us gently of the impending weather change. In the same way, Jesus warns his disciples to read the trees. In three of the four gospels, Jesus’s parable of the fig tree is recorded. He predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurs in 70 A.D. when Titus, the Roman general who later ruled as emperor for a couple of years, decimates the revered city of the Israeli people. Jesus says as the fig tree leafing out indicates summer approaching, so the signs of which Jesus speaks alert the world to His second coming.

As Jesus spoke of the leaves of the fig tree, may
our autumn leaves encourage us to more obedience.

                Matthew 24:35, Mark 14:31, and Luke 21:33 record this quote from Jesus Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Jesus concludes His teaching to His disciples admonishing faithfulness and watchfulness.

                Mother enabled me to commit this verse to memory in my younger days by her oft quoting of it. James 4:17 stated Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James, the half-brother of Jesus, ironically only believed Jesus was the Son of God and Savior of the world after the death and resurrection of Jesus. James reminded the early church that human lives are temporal and uncertain. For this reason, our goal should aim for faithfulness to His Word and anticipation of  His return.

                As the golden cottonwood shimmers in the glistening fall sunlight, may our lives of integrity exalt the Savior we worship. Then may we inspire those around us to faithfully follow His principles for a strong society, closely-knit families, and individual lives that stand stalwart no matter the season.