Memories of summer, readying for winter

I tidied up in the garden a while ago, putting the plant pots in as much shelter as possible ready for winter.  The little oak trees have brown leaves now, which reminded me of how parched one of them was earlier this year.  Amazingly, once I’d given it a good soaking, it began to produce a new set of fresh green leaves to replace the dry, crispy ones.  I remember reading somewhere that oak trees are able to do that, provided it’s early enough in the season, but I’d never actually seen it before.

Life out of death!  We were dead in trespasses and sins, but God in mercy and love made us alive in Christ.  What amazing grace.  And though we wander away at times that same mercy and love brings us back in repentance: ‘Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness,,,’  (Joel 2:13)

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.  You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame.   Joel 2:25-26