"?Give it one more chance?"
Luke 13:8 (NLT)

The brilliant red, yellow, and orange leaves that make fall so beautiful did not materialize at the normal time where I live this year. Sighs of disappointment could be heard as we watched some of the leaves simply turn brown and fall to the ground. We were resigned to wait until next time to feast our eyes on that part of God's beautiful world.

And then when we were ready to accept that winter was about to happen, we woke up one morning to find, to our wonderful surprise, there was fall color all around us. The trees that still had leaves on them had seemingly overnight turned to their bright fall colors. They were absolutely stunningly displayed so late in the season.

 "?Give it one more chance?"
Luke 13:8 (NLT)

The brilliant red, yellow, and orange leaves that make fall so beautiful did not materialize at the normal time where I live this year. Sighs of disappointment could be heard as we watched some of the leaves simply turn brown and fall to the ground. We were resigned to wait until next time to feast our eyes on that part of God's beautiful world.

And then when we were ready to accept that winter was about to happen, we woke up one morning to find, to our wonderful surprise, there was fall color all around us. The trees that still had leaves on them had seemingly overnight turned to their bright fall colors. They were absolutely stunningly displayed so late in the season.

Our spirits were warmed that God would manifest Himself this way when we thought that time was gone forever this year. The color was late, but the leaves that were left were overwhelmingly beautiful.

Maybe time is passing you by and you have not fulfilled the purpose God has for your life. You may even be at the point that friends and family have given up on you. But, our wonderful God is always ready to give you another chance.

The same patient God who gave those trees, with many of their leaves already removed, another chance to show their brilliance, is also waiting for you to bear fruit. Receive the opportunity He is extending to you and go forth today in His Name.

Though you may feel bruised and broken, much like those brown leaves that fell to the ground early, you can respond to the Gardener's patient care and begin to bear the fruit God has called you to produce. Like the gorgeous late leaves, be beautiful and fruitful for God and those who love and depend on you.

Melva Cooper, Copyright 2004
Used with permission.