Planted by the Water

After the record drought this summer, the chatter has been whether we would have any colorful leaves this autumn. Mostly they seemed to be dying and falling to the ground. I was saddened to think we wouldn't get to enjoy the beauty that comes when summer yields to fall. My favorite time of year is when the trees display their vibrant beauty for us as we watch the scorching summer days fade away into sunny, cooler, refreshing days of autumn.


Well, summer isn't fading so quickly this year, is it? Today is October 18th and it has been HOT! I don't know if we broke a record, but I do know I got a little too much sun while I was working outside. I'm ready for cool weather! And bon fires. To roast marshmallows over. And hot cider. Boots. Jackets. And scarves. Oh well. Maybe soon.


Anyway, I digress. This is supposed to be about the beauty of the fall colors.


A couple of weeks ago I was returning home from my mother's house. As I came through the gap of the mountain and drove past the creek that runs beside the road, I noticed the trees near the water were absolutely stunning. The reds were brilliant. The yellows so bright and cheerful. The oranges glistened in the sunlight.


The only trees I saw that had those gorgeous colors were right there beside the water. And it got me thinking.


Aren't the colors of our lives brighter when we are soaking up the Living Water? When we wander away and find ourselves in a desert place, we are dry and brittle. Our leaves die and fall away before they can show the glory they were intended for.


We must be aware of and maintain our relationship with the Lord. We need to spend time with Him daily. Reading his Word. Sitting quietly at His feet. Listening to His soft, still voice lovingly guiding us along life's journey. We need to sing praises to His name and rejoice in His presence.


Then, and only then, we will reflect His glory, displaying the beauty that glorifies our God. By living close to His side, our roots grow deep and soak up the Living Water. Drinking it in, we have everything we need to grow and become who He created us to be.


Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

⁷ “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
⁸ They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”

Drink up, my friend, drink up. Like the song says, "Just like a tree that's planted by the water, I shall not be moved!"