I thought that today, with the colors of fall in full radiance, and winter just around the corner, I would share a poem I wrote for my children some time back. Enjoy.
Where the Leaves Never Fall
The autumn leaves are tumbling off the trees,
The cooling rains dance across the dying lawns.
North winds whisper that frigid days are coming.
Soon the trees will sway barren in the tomb of winter
Beautiful colors will burn brightly only to crumble away
Returning to die in the ground from which they were birthed
For many fall seasons, I hardly noticed the sadness beneath the beauty
No, the cooling days meant fall afternoons of touchdowns and tackles
Crisp apples and chili dogs and joyful conversations behind tailgates
Yes, children and now grandchildren playing football and soccer
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years one after another
Church and carols and celebrations hurry onward year after year.
Some seats are now empty of those we’ve loved and lost awhile
Their absence leaves a dull ache and void in our lives.
The autumn of aging took some while others left in the bloom of spring
This latest autumn has awakened me to know that life here has its limits
For me, fall has come with its cold breath to say winter is coming
I ask my soul, “Will winter give way again to Spring and the hope of Easter?”
Yes, my heart believes there will come another spring and summer
To revel with my grandchildren and to see them blossom into adults
To discover and preach with power one more great sermon
To love my wife and share the joys and tears as we have for half a century
To see my children live out their dreams…and God’s sweet will
To see the church rise to her fullest potential for God’s glory
The years have taken their toll on my body, yet I feel His strength
When I stand to give Jesus’ message, my youth manifests
All aches and pains leave and I know His presence
The sweet Holy Ghost kisses me with power from the eternal dimension
For a moment, I sense that ageless, deathless world awaiting us all and I know
Fall and winter will yield to the Savior awaiting us where the leaves never fall.
The Heart of Abba - Ron Phillips 