Changing Seasons - Changing Me

I returned to New Jersey from my high school class reunion in September. When I got home, I noticed the pumpkin color tinge on the Maple tree leaves in our yard. Autumn had begun. Now, I find myself holding on to the last bursts of color as we move into November.

Reunions are about looking back at treasured friends and some great memories. There is something special about being with friends who knew me when I was young. They know my family, love my mom, and remember many hours hanging out at my house. 

These kinds of relationships matter. With the busyness of life, I may not have kept in touch well enough, but now I long to renew these friendships. We have all changed over time. Life has given us good and very challenging experiences. Some of the great things have been children, grandchildren, and travels. More difficult experiences include the death of a spouse or loved one, loss of work, and all the trials of just living.

After spending the afternoon with some of my classmates over coffee, our reunion program, and dinner, I can see how time has refined them. I could see many of my classmates’ good works, filling my heart with joy. Through the changing seasons of our lives, God has refined them like gold.

Zechariah 13: 9(b)  

I will refine them like silver and test them like gold.

I see Jesus in these friends. In their smiles, in their bear hugs, in their faces. Many work for churches, in ministry, or as teachers, some at food pantries, and some as business people. We are even better than we were because although we are the same people, time has changed us. You can see God’s refinement in us, changing us to all the beautiful colors on the Tree of Life. Each branch and leaf is varied but vibrant and worthy of God’s love.

Thank you, God, for your changing seasons. Thank you for changing me and making me more of what you want me to be as I move along this path called life. I long to shimmer with color with the rest of my friends, turning leaves into beautiful colors in full display of your handiwork.

Photo by Catherine Kay Greenup @springwellion