When the leaves start falling you know that summer has ended. The youth of the leaves either change into a dirty brown or a beautiful deep red (Isaiah 64:5-7). But then, even with the gentlest of winds – it is all over. Ever so gently, the once vibrant useful leaf flutters one last time and then falls to the earth.

Spring was a time of growth and learning to cope with the world. It was filled with new life. The new young leaves provided life to the trees and cover to the baby birds and squirrels.

But soon Summer came, and life swung into a routine. At first, it was a party – squirrels filled their days chasing each other up and down the trees (Jeremiah 8:20). But then the wisdom of the aged warned of an end and the age-old preparatory production began. The true nature of the trees became evident as ripe fruit appeared. Squirrels quickly gathered and hid their stash.

Then, as quickly as everything had sprung into life, it was all over. Overripe fruit and leaves both died and fell to the earth (James. 4:13-14).

Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted (ESV).

Friend, are you closer today to the day you were born or to the day you will die?

Most Holy God, give us the strength to live each day to its fullest – not as fulfilling the desires of the flesh but as a blessing to others.