The Autumn Leaf
In Autumn, Florida weather is just so lovely & crisp, its often very enjoyable to get out in nature. I always love the time I spend in nature. Especially during the Winter & autumn months. One of the prettiest things about Autumn, is the changing of leaves. The golden-brown leaves. All the trees become bare, and Nature transforms into this picture-like dream. To me it’s just magical. Sometimes I run in the late evening when the sun is setting, but I really enjoy running earlier, especially during the cooler temperatures, when the sun is kissing my cheeks.
I recall this special day being a good day for a run. I woke up early and energized, thew on my gym clothes, laced up my sneakers, quickly consumed my (somewhat unhealthy) energy drink, earbuds stuffed as far in my ears as I could get them, keys in hand, and out the door I went. It was time to enjoy nature, burn some calories, listen to music, and most importantly meditate & pray to my heavenly father.
So often when I’m running my mind is racing faster than my feet hitting the pavement. I’m somewhat of a control queen; but not about everything, mostly about things I really can’t control at all. One thing I can control is my music selection, which in roundabout way can somewhat control my mind. Music has the effect of calming, uplifting, or even draining the living life out of me. Music can leave certain people feeling as though they just broke up with a boyfriend yesterday, even if they’ve been single, for over 3 years…” Like why am I crying right now?” effects… I digress, but its powerful! So, I usually try to choose music that will help keep my mind in an upbeat, positive, life is great… zone. I often listen to Christian music when I run but sporadically, I will change the vibe to Afro-beats or even Soca, when I’m motivated to complete a longer faster run, or in the mood for a mental party. This day I recall being a Christian music vibe
The streets were bare. It was just me, the road, music, and my thoughts. I remember being consumed with worry that day. Worrying about my life, worrying about my plans, worrying about my daily choices, & specially worried about possibly missing the blessings God had for me. I feared that me being at the wrong place, at the wrong time, would consequently result in unfulfilled promises or blessings….
I remember this worry suffocating my thoughts. As I jogged around the corner, I shifted my focus on a significantly large, somewhat creepy golden-brown autumn leaf. It was strange looking. Unique enough that I felt slightly disturbed by it. Looking back, it made absolutely no sense to be spooked by a leaf, but I was. Anyhoo, this feeling made me want to avoid stepping on this zombie leaf. As I kept running, the mutant leaf continued to slowly blow across the street, in my direction. I started timing my feet, planning on jumping over it, if it landed on the ground in front of me…well despite my best efforts the leaf blew and landed right on top of my foot… “Really!” I thought to myself. “Oh well, it’s just a leaf” I realized, removed it, and kept running. It was in that moment a thought, or a message appeared in my mind, almost like an epiphany. The message was very clear, & I believe it was a direct deposit from the holy spirit himself. The message placed in my mind like a downloaded file said, “Stop worrying. For just like this leaf, the blessings I have for you; you won’t miss them…even if you tried”. What a witty mischievous Genius! It was truly a jaw-dropping comforting moment. It completely put my worries to rest. I was now able to enjoy my run, my music, and just focus of God’s presence in my life.
I’m always so thankful when God decides to comfort me even when he doesn’t have to. He knows his plans, and I’m sure he’s busy, but he always finds moments like these, to give me a little encouraging miracle messages to soothe my soul and put my mind at ease. He’s such a gentle loving father, with a great sense of humor.
In life we often believe that we can control everything. The more control we believe we have, the more future obsessed we become. Instead, we should replace that belief with knowing our heavenly father is ultimately in control. We can let go of fear, anxiety, and worry and just know he is so powerful that he can control everything around us, even our thoughts if we ask him to. Knowing this is quite freeing. If God is for you who can be against you (Romans8:31). If God so clothes the grass of the field, will he not much more clothe you (Mathew 6:30). If our heavenly father is working things out for our good (Romans 8:28)…why worry. He’s God this!… we won’t miss his blessings, despite possible self-sabotage tendencies, even if we tried.
Exercise: Nature is so beautifully grounding, it’s a great place to go and meditate on God. One way to get a quick stress relief is just going and sitting under the tree and talking our loving Creator. Try sitting under a tree for 10 minutes. Have your bare food on the soil, deep breathe, & just take in nature at its best. Look around and witness Gods brilliant canvas. Think about how genius and loving he is to create so much beautiful colors, diversity, & so many bouncing happy living beings like birds or butterflies. Take in Gods personality and give him thanks for what he has created for us to enjoy. Now write a love letter to God, write down all that you see in nature, and give him thanks for all of it.
