covered.
a poem.
Minnesota has held off from dumping snow on us so far this November. The colors are pretty much gone except for a few red maples that have lingered on. The evergreens fill the background of the empty space, but the grays and browns now dominate the landscape. The woods seem to be waiting.
It’s the first time I’ve noticed the beauty of the spacious gray woods that have paused, readying themselves for winter.
Maybe it’s because normally by this time of year, the trees are soaked from the snow that comes on and off until December.
Or maybe it’s really because I never stopped to notice.
I’ve been learning that shedding their leaves is a necessary step. It’s part of the season. They may die due to energy or nutrient deficiencies if they don't. It’s this shedding before the winter that prepares them for snow. I find the same in myself this time of year; my own soul being exposed as I prepare for the coming season.
It’s uncomfortable to face yourself. It’s never fun to be stripped of what was covering you and see what’s really on the inside. But God has something coming, he doesn’t leave us exposed forever.
He covers us.
And what I’ve learned about trees I also find to be true in myself.
Winter makes them stronger.
Covered.
leaves rustle.
a reminder of what was
now fallen off of me
i liked it that way
i was beautiful.
the wind blew
on its own time
earlier than i thought
never when i
deemed i was ready
grey and
barren
exposed and
vulnerable
awaiting
those walking by
able to peer
right through me
and that which covered me
blown away
i must be
here now
laid bare
branches stripped
to be covered
but this time
by snow.
and i realize
i need this
time and time
again
this season
the constant shedding
facing my barren soul
and a new cover
from heaven
in His time
even more beautiful.
“Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”-Psalm 32:1-5
For the One,
I love this.