By Barb Alston, Melita Presbyterian Church

As the season progresses, it is interesting to notice the changes going on around us. 

I find it fascinating to watch the trees and see the colour gradually come, those beautiful yellows, oranges and golds and the occasional fiery red.  The oak trees in our area are bare. The ash trees in their bright orange - yellow finery — seem to drop their leaves first.

Still there are some yellow leaves clinging to the poplars and the big cottonwood trees that I often see on my walks.

Some of the little bushes around the yard, are especially pretty with their hints of orange and red and green. Red mountain ash berries stand out on trees here and there on people’s lawns in town. Birds can sometimes be seen eating them, as well as the occasional apple or berry that has not fallen from fruit trees.

I seem to recall from some long-ago biology class that the reason the leaves fall is that there is a barrier that grows that cuts the leaves off from receiving the sap from the trees themselves. We are the fortunate recipients of the beauty brought about by this biological process. 

This is only one of many things about nature that is fascinating. I remember doing a project on “hibernation”, and researching how certain animals are able to slow down their whole metabolism, and hibernate for the winter.

These things truly amaze scientists and ordinary folk alike.

Another thing happens when the leaves fall. We begin to notice birds nests that we may not have seen in the summer. They are all different. Some large nests are made of sticks. Others are intricately woven from materials around the farm. I always find it neat to see nests with the baler twine and net wrap from hay bales, and lining that includes those coarse, longer tail hairs that the cows often leave as they rub against the barbed wire fences.

There are now better views of the river near our place without the leaves, and more light filters into the bush these days.  

To me, the trees teach us a lesson. There are times in our lives - as for them — to let go . . . . ..When the leaves let go, they fall to the ground. (Some of you will be saying —— well yes — and then I have to rake them and pick them up — they get caught in my yard every fall . . . . . . . another part of leaves falling to be sure.)

Much happens in our lives. We may grow angry at someone or something —we may be trying to control something that we have no control over and that is like hitting your head against a wall.

It is a great feeling of freedom, when we are able to let go of things in the past that still get us down.

It is also wonderful to be able to let go of worry and anxiety about the future. It is often hard to accept the inevitable changes that come to us all .It can become a daily process and discipline.

Perhaps its about slowing down. Perhaps it is about gratitude for the moments of each day, something good to eat, a conversation with a family member, or a friend, a phone call, a visit, rays of sunshine coming in through the window, a calm day to enjoy being outside, a warm day at this time of year, a little job accomplished, music enjoyed, a hug given or received, encouragement given, friendship celebrated, prayers said out loud or in silence. Perhaps it is about deeply enjoying the blessings of each day — and letting go of our fears, resentments and negative thoughts. We can imagine these things, like the leaves falling to the ground, and on one of those really windy days they will blow away. Sometimes, yes, it is time to let go of certain things. And as the saying goes “Let go and let God”

"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:33-34 (NRSV)

     For comments or suggestions for articles email: tbalston@mymts.net"