Parable of the Leaf

Intro:  Usually I write little essays to focus on the positive things in one’s self, others, and life in general.  The fables were fun to do for kids and adults.  Now I’ll try my hand at parables.  Yet I find they are coming out a bit dark.  It is in relation to the reality of life as our nation heads into what I feel is a steep decline of cherished values.  So much hatred, revenge, greed and lack of accountability has been occurring.  I don’t understand why so many people would choose to take this path.  But here we are.  Is it too late to redirect our way?

I will try to make some of the parables light-hearted.  Balance in life is so important.  Blessings to you.



Parable of the Leaf


I see the neighbors are getting packed up to move.  They are gathered together in droves as humans use a long wooden handle with protruding metal claws.  One big round stack after another, the neighbors are clinging together, until of course the wind blows, then a few of them attempt to sneak away.  Hey, there goes a beautiful red one now!

📷 my pic

But humans know that they won’t gather every single one.  They do attempt to restrain them further by putting the bundles in bags, which will later be picked up by a huge noisy machine that grabs them and dumps them inside its jaws.  They are no more to be seen.

Here I sit in the yard, untouched by human hands.  The human over here lets me sit out through the winter, and live my life to its fullest.  I do my best to keep my color palette lovely, but even so I’ll wither away and eventually die completely.  

Wintertime is quiet.  I don’t mind the snow.  It sometimes visits to cover me gently; it understands my situation.  I think it sympathizes with me, as I do with it.  So very quickly snow comes to an end, and melts away.  

Life for me starts to wither.  Bits of me break off into the ground.  My fellow leaves all experience the same.  I sometimes wonder if it would have been better to be swept away like my neighbors were.  Then again, they had no choice.  But did I ever have a choice?  No.  But humans do.  Some make a choice to take advantage; some choose to be helpful.  Some just try to survive.  

If I were human, what would I have done?          Theresa M 



PSCan’t help but think, as I wrote this, of concentration camps: the choices made by some humans to force their power over others.  I fear the days ahead will be like that all over again.  Some people have made their choice to let others have power over themselves.  Others do not choose to be a part of that, but could also face the same powerlessness if nothing is done to stop evil.  Choices definitely have consequences.



Waiting

Well, I’m still waiting for that snow around here.  Some folks say they saw it, but it was just some flurries that didn’t stick around.  I’m ready for it.  Stocked up with food - including cocoa!  Bring it on Mother Nature!

pixabay


            *We interrupt this post for breaking news*

      It’s snowing! ❄️  It’s sticking! ❄️ It's beautiful! ❄️


Although I grew up in hot Texas - rarely saw snow there - I have always had a fondness for the glistening white snowscapes.  Something about it tugs at my heart.  I can feel the cold out there, but also the warmth that is found indoors.  I sense a fireplace, crackling wood, with a kettle of coffee or hot cocoa.  It gives me hope that despite the bitter cold, the lack of nature’s green and blossoms, deep within the ground there lies the presence of tiny powerful seeds.  Something magical will awaken, we only need to patiently wait, and take care of what needs to be done in the moment.  Even if that is shoveling the snow!

I’m grateful for seasonal changes.  Endless cycles, they come with expectations, yet still captivate me with their wondrous beauty.  Mother Nature, thank you, God’s grace is surely a part of you.    Theresa M


While we’re here, let’s look at some beautiful snowy landscapes:

📸 by bernswaelz on pixabay 



📸 by 12019 on pixabay



📸 unknown source



📸 unknown source



my pic snow cat & snowman 2021



my pic snow dog & snowcat 2024

Celebrate the Spirit

You know what?  It’s time to get festive.  Let’s make the most of it.  Bring along the memories, both of the sad times and the good.  This is life - let’s celebrate.

AI by prompart, pixexid cc

          “It’s the time of year for thanks and giving.”

                     (sign at a local church)

Indeed it is!  Don’t worry about giving money and gifts.  There are plenty of other ways:  some people need a smile, a thank-you, an appreciation post, a helping hand.  Feed the birds and the strays.  Call- actually phone- somebody.

Embrace the day.  Let go of the negative energy, from disruptive memories, social media punks, naysayers.  We’ve got this day.  We will live with hope in our hearts.

art by geralt on pixabay


Last week I decorated for Christmas.  Slowly but surely the magical feelings of wonder and delight are stirring within me.  Started the holiday music as well.  I absolutely love singing along.  Just little things like this brighten my day.  I urge others to try either traditional activities or create new ones.  Find what helps you get into the spirit.  Be a part of the spirit.       Theresa M


my girl Lilly, our last Christmas 2023