The Catalpa Tree
Four months ago, Steven and I were walking around the boundaries of his mom’s backyard in South Carolina. As we stood beneath a tall, sprawling tree - a Southern Catalpa tree - he told childhood stories surrounding it. In the heat of mid-summer, he and his brother and dad would strip the tree of its Catalpa worms to use as excellent fish bait.
Fascinated by the tales, I ventured out to the tree each day of our trip, searching for these magical caterpillars. I did find a couple, but never saw the multitude that would arrive a little later in the summer, after we left.
And now I’m back here again, and I’m again walking the border of the yard, our dog in tow. I’m visiting the autumn Catalpa tree.
Hardly any leaves are left, the worms long gone with the cooler nights. The fall tree looks very different. The canopy, a welcome respite of shade in July, has disappeared.The bright green leaves have gradually become yellow and brown, a few left half-eaten and barely hanging on. Beneath the Catalpa tree lies a carpet of fallen, crunchy leaves, and the cool, damp smell of autumn.
Like the Catalpa tree, a lot in my life has changed since this summer.
How does your life look today compared to four months ago?
As I reflect on my life since July, I see that God has led me through much. We are now empty-nesters, our youngest off on his own in college. We will soon gain a daughter-in-law as our other son marries at the end of the year. Our daughter and her husband are now settled in Colorado and we FaceTime to keep in touch.
I’m finding that with these changes, I view things a little differently, too. And maybe that’s why God changes our circumstances, to adjust our perspective and keep us from being stuck in our ways. Refocusing can be a good thing.
Some new things I’ve learned: I now understand the excitement as well as the sadness of being an empty-nester. I have a better grasp on how many weeks Steven and I could contentedly travel and work in the RV. God has given me new stories to write as I’ve visited different places. And I’m enrolled in a spiritual formation class which is transforming and deepening my spiritual practices.
Like the Catalpa tree, my landscape looks a little different now. Well-worn, stuck things have been pruned and some of my branches are bare.
And I’m beginning to see that most of the change feels good.
On my walk today, I’m happily temperature-perfect, wearing long sleeves instead of searching for shade from the heat. Wondering at the changing leaves and deep blue sky and all things autumn . . .
Like the Catalpa tree, life is always changing, unpredictable and ever-evolving. But no worries! God is right here with us, teaching us new ways to navigate each season.
Just as He designed the Catalpa tree in all its summer, fall, winter and spring glory, He is creating for us a life that shines in the seasons, glorifies Him and brings new life with each change.
Look at the trees around you and welcome His creation of newness.
I’m headed out to sit under my favorite tree.
“If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit. Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.”
Lev. 26:3-5 NIV
Today is a GOOD day!
Natalie