Contrasts

This shot caught my eye because of the contrast in color and texture.  It also made me think.  It seemed really out of place here at the beginning of fall.  The hardwood tree in the background (of which you see  only the bark of its truck) had brilliantly colored leaves falling constantly from its branches in the Autumn winds.  It was going dormant for the winter.  Yet at its base there were these lush green leaves growing from this fragile looking plant with berries growing heavily between them.  It was not an evergreen type plant like a holly so it made me start to consider the nature of this plant.  It had to have a purpose in the pre-frost season because its leaves will never survive a single heavily frosted evening.  This plant was prolific and fruitful yet a not a winter fruit bloomer.  It was meant to feed something ... maybe birds, maybe small animal, maybe insects before the frost!  I feel like Hashem is doing that for me right now too.  I think the season of darkness is still yet to come for me and He continues to feed me through this project, my friends, and my job right now.  I am thankful for the contrast.  I am thankful for His provision.  I am thankful for this season. May I remember His faithfulness now when the darkness comes in the deepest of winter and may I keep  it stored up as faith when my heart is surrounded in that darkness.