Shade Tree Wisdom 10/10/07

Soon now, very soon, the morning walk will require a light sweater. Nice. And the paper tells us the peek season for Fall color in Vermont is right now. Reminds me of the colors behind Christ Lutheran Church in Augusta, along the Missouri river. It was situated a bit above the road which ran along the river, and behind it was a hill just covered with Aspen, Maple, and other trees that gave rich Fall color. Each Fall the color section of the St. Louis papers featured Christ Lutheran with its background of color. And the drive along the river was a Sunday afternoon favorite that time of year. Along the road lay the Church, further along a farmer had a field planted with pumpkins which people picked. He also usually had a small patch of those colorful gourds people used for table decorations around the Thanksgiving holiday. Still further along was an apple orchard featuring fresh cider, and still further was a vineyard featuring wine tasting. Made for a nice afternoon away from the city.

But listen, Texas does have color. The Lost Maples State Natural Area west of Boerne near Kerrville offers colorful display during October and November. Lost Maples is small, only 2,174 acres, but it has probably the only bigtooth maple trees in the entire southwest. The area has several walking trails, some of them challenging, some camping area, and a small parking area for 250 vehicles. It gets most of its visits in the Fall. But the area is attractive for hikers and nature enthusiasts any time of year.

Another place for color is the Mast Arboretum of Stephen F. Austin University situated in Nacadoches, Texas. It is the first arboretum on a Texas university campus. It began as a land-scape materials class project in 1985 and grew into a 10 acre classroom of themed gardens. Great place to visit.

We can figure out WHY the color comes with the cool fall weather. But do we stop to remember who put it there? I think of Job when the Lord asked him, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” and “Where were you when all this happened?” Job chapter 38 gives more detail.

The hand of the Creator is plain here. He made this beauty, and He made us and gave us the emotions to want to see it and enjoy it too. Another blessing we so often take for granted. But do stop and remember. The gracious hand of God lays out such beauty for our eyes to see and rejoice in. It’s one of His gifts that become so second-nature that we fail to be again astounded at the richness of it all. That’s what Fall color ought to do. It gives us reason for trips, but more, it gives us reason to develop a thankful heart. May God bless this to you.

GPD 10/10/07