It’s a beautiful fall day. The temperature is comfortably warm, yet with an underlying crispness. The smells of fall fill up my senses as the clean, clear air wafts through the colorful canopy of the tall trees lining the winding road through the mountains. Bursts of gold, crimson, bright orange, soft browns, and dark greens come into view as I drive up and down and around the curves, each unique vantage point teeming with a splendor of its own.
What I visibly see is beauty in the midst of what was chaos. Bare places on the tops of mountains giving way to sparse, but definite foliage. New growth springing up with brilliant hues of fall amongst barren remains of dead trees from a fire not so long ago. And on my level, beside me as I journey, solid oaks, maples, poplars, and evergreens still rooted and grounded displaying the stateliness of their many years stretched high beside life giving streams of water.
The visual reminds me of the reason for this trip. A trip to visit some dear friends I’ve known for decades. Friends who I met as a young teen, pouring forth words of welcome and true delight in meeting me and accepting me in all my adolescent awkwardness. My parent’s friends who truly enjoyed them for who they were and in loving them chose to love me, too. Friends who continue through all of life’s ups and downs, beauty and chaos, and remain solid, stately, and unwavering with their open arms and warm hugs of welcome as they greet me at the door and invite me to come and catch up. So in the midst of a seemingly urgent and chaotic season, I am traveling for the second time in a few weeks to connect with dear ones since a hurricane literally prevented our being together last month.
In truth, our times together are few and far between. Yet each time, there is a secure knowing that our love for one another. Our cherishing our time together is as important today as it has ever been, perhaps even more so. Amidst catching up over gathering at the table for delicious meals together, sometimes prepared and sometimes pot luck of what each of us has with us, shines a gladness in our eyes. Laughter rings out over many rounds of dominoes. With their current mobility, drives to see the surrounding area fill our time together instead of onsite sightseeing and puttering among the local flavor.
It is as if no time has passed, but the years have brought many changes. Instead of my parents, brothers, and I visiting, on this trip it is me and my grown daughters. Another generation is many years into the legacy and heritage of this friendship forged long ago. While aware of the quirks and idiosyncrasies others might find glaring, each one choosing to focus on the gift and the treasure of making memories and enjoying the present to the full. None of us is perfect, but we are all perfectly imperfect together. And our friendship is solid in the security of unconditional love, faith, and acceptance of one another as we are.
The beauty of fall is resplendent, but it is seasonal. Even so, each year the colors once again burst forth dazzling as the sunlight plays upon the leaves. Some trees no longer remain and others are young seedlings. Each tree is unique and splendid on its own. Yet, together they form a gorgeous array of magnificent radiance. Radiance that is so beautiful it can be hard to physically take it all in.
Life is full of challenges and its own seasons. Some places in our life may now feel barren with the passing on of family and friends. Some relationships may have to be ended for life to be healthy, allowing new acquaintances and friendships to spring up gracing our lives with color and beauty. And as we journey along through the years of our lives, there are those who remain true, faithful, and love us for us in spite of all our chaos, awkwardness, and quirks.
So take the time even when you don’t have it. Spend the time with those dear to you. Make the phone call. Send the card. Say “I love you.” Make the muffins.
Be the tree rooted and grounded in love. Display the brilliance of the one and only you as you dwell and abide by the living water. Stretch forth your branches among those who are wise and grow in beauty with time.