"See The Leaves"

A few week ago, Stuart was reading a devotion about a couple who traveled all the way to Maine to "see the leaves"...that really struck a cord in me....since I love fall so much and so enjoy watching the trees release their full beauty of vibrant color and radiance. The next day I was online checking prices to Maine so I could "see the leaves!!" -- well my trip to Maine didn't end up happening....but I was amazed how many "see the leaves" tours there are and how so many people actually make trips from all over the world to see these trees in all their glory. Soon after, we took a trip over Mt. Hood and the trees were unbelievably beautiful!!-all in their blazing glory.....As I looked at these trees with the sunlight hitting their leaves, I had a new perspective--these leaves are "dying"--they are all in various stages of death. It made me think that the Lord really sees "death" much different than we do. It really is in the "dying" stage-the stage these leaves were in--that radiates beauty the most. It really isn't the "death"--it's the day to day "dying" that we have to do--laying down our desires, rights and lives for the sake of Christ and His glory in us. I had a new understanding of what it means to "lose my life" for Christ...As I looked out the window at this beautiful sight, my heart had to cry out Lord, whatever it takes, this is what I want - I want others in this world to behold you and all that you are, so you can radiate so beautifully through "my death"--I will never "see the leaves" the same again.