RANDOM THOUGHTS

ON A COOL AUTUMN DAY IN ALASKA

The leaves on the birch trees were green when we arrived in Alaska 

just  about a week and a half ago.

Much has happened...much of it planned....by someone.

like our grand daughter, Teressa's wedding.

What an answer to prayer....

she married a strong, committed believer in Christ!

Other things have happened also...like the green birch leaves

turning a bright gold in just a few days.

They are beautiful against the bright blue sky

with new snow capping the mountain tops in the background. 

Autumn lasts only a week or two in Alaska.

It's the joy of spending time with family and friends we see far too seldom 

and creates memories that last and last.

However,

there is a certain sadness I feel today...perhaps not sadness but maybe seriousness.

The wind has been blowing for the first time in a few days.

The golden birch leaves are falling like snowflakes...covering the ground.

Sad.

The trees are getting bare...preparing for a long cold winter.

As I watch each leaf fall, there is a certain sadness...its beautiful life on the tree is over.

News have come to me that three friends have died this week...

like fallen golden leaves.

And I have read that Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel has also died...

as has Tom Clancy, the novelist....and others.

And I am in the process of reading C.S. Lewis' book "A Grief Observed."

It has set a certain feeling in me that is hard to articulate, but real.

You might call it sadness, but it's not really that...

just a realization that the golden leaves of autumn that are so beautiful...even beautiful as they fall.

And they must fall before new life can be realized.

So, much is happening, actually all planned even though not by us, but by Someone.

Someone who has created it all, holds it all together, and has an eternal plan.

And we can trust Him in the spring, summer, autumn and winter of life.

And that brings peace.