People with a great mind are a dime a dozen.

People with a great heart are few.

People who use their strength in service to a great mind with great heart…priceless.

I am grateful for these people.

IMG_3794 IMG_3798They are humble and unassuming. Like the tiny maple saplings we bought for a dollar two decades ago that, this year, blazed in a yellow awning along the drive. Then, just days ago, shed their color in layers upon the lawn, brilliantly draping the bushes and the grass. Now their display is browning and blowing in the breeze, giving no hint of glory days so recent.

When colorful leaves were plentiful

but daylight was drawing short 

and end of life was closing in.

I am grateful for all who live their lives in a brilliant blaze, holding nothing back, presuming nothing, giving everything. “Oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor,” Isaiah says they shall be called. (Isaiah 61:4)

Lasting. Everlasting. The leaves I rake today are the children of last year’s leaves and the grandchildren of the year before.

To what mind and heart am I applying my strength? In thankful offering to many generations past. In hopeful purchase for many generations to come. Imagine being a planting of the Lord. A tiny sapling, just a root ball and a few budding leaves.

That was what they were once, these who are now my shade and comfort.