This fall I seem to be actually noticing the trees changing colors. I live in Texas so it always seems to me that the leaves go from green to brown. Since, I have lived here, I always seem to complain about how I wish you could see the leaves changing...
I know that there is no way that this is the first fall where the leaves are actually changing. I truly believe that this is the first time I actually noticed. They truly are beautiful. I have seen reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and even a vibrant purple!
So, why did it take me this long to notice? My conclusion is that I have taken the time to notice: to look at the trees when I’m at a stop light or even as I drive. I have been intentional. It has been a choice I have made on my spiritual journey to notice the present moment instead of wondering about what’s coming next and always rushing on to the next thing or task.
This is truly hard for me, with my type-A personality. I tend to be all about getting things done and thinking about what is coming next. But in getting things done, I am missing the leaves changing colors. I’m not stopping to wonder how perhaps the color the leaf changes to has to do with the kind of tree it is, as they are all different. I am missing moments and seasons.
Which brings me to thinking and thanking God for how He thought of everything! The seasons, the trees, and everything in between. I know He didn’t create these things for Himself but for us, his beloved children. I have been acting more like a bratty kid who takes every gift for granted as I’m rushing through life.
I have decided to be more intentional about the gifts of the present moment, even in a world who already has every Christmas decoration up, Christmas music playing — yes, I did say that. It perplexes me since Thanksgiving hasn’t even arrived yet!
Why are we in such a hurry? I don’t have the answer to that question, but I do know that I will pause and take in the present moment. It is a gift from God, because today is all we have; we really don’t know about tomorrow.
Copyright 2019 Elizabeth Estrada
This article was originally published at CatholicMom.com and is shared here with permission.
