"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" or so the commercials say.
A couple years ago, the arrival of Fall got me thinking about change. I was invited to speak at a ladies event and while studying and preparing, I came across some information explaining "why leaves fall". (you know...the type of information you might learn watching "Magic School Bus" or something). I thought it was so interesting - I decided to use it in my talk. Well, the season marked by pumpkins, cool nights and apple pies is on its way once again. So what can we learn from the wise oak...or maple...or birch...??
Why leaves fall:
A tree's roots and branches can endure freezing temperatures, but most leaves are not so tough. On a broadleaf tree, the tender thin leaves are made up of cells filled with water sap, and this sap will freeze in the winter. Any plant tissue (like leaves) that are unable to live through the winter must be sealed off and shed to ensure the tree's survival.
So...as sunlight decreases in the fall, the veins that carry sap into and out of the leaf gradually close. A layer of cells form (the separation layer) at the base of the leaf stem and when this layer is complete - the leaf is separated from the tissue that connected it to the branch...and it falls.
A tree "knows" that there are times when it is best served by letting go of something - for the benefit of the tree itself. Likewise, there may be things in our lives that are no longer serving a purpose - things that if we DON'T let go of could affect our life as a whole. (beliefs, habits, busyness, relationships...)
What is no longer serving a purpose in your life? (or perhaps never did)
What do you need to let go of?
A couple years ago, the arrival of Fall got me thinking about change. I was invited to speak at a ladies event and while studying and preparing, I came across some information explaining "why leaves fall". (you know...the type of information you might learn watching "Magic School Bus" or something). I thought it was so interesting - I decided to use it in my talk. Well, the season marked by pumpkins, cool nights and apple pies is on its way once again. So what can we learn from the wise oak...or maple...or birch...??
Why leaves fall:
A tree's roots and branches can endure freezing temperatures, but most leaves are not so tough. On a broadleaf tree, the tender thin leaves are made up of cells filled with water sap, and this sap will freeze in the winter. Any plant tissue (like leaves) that are unable to live through the winter must be sealed off and shed to ensure the tree's survival.
So...as sunlight decreases in the fall, the veins that carry sap into and out of the leaf gradually close. A layer of cells form (the separation layer) at the base of the leaf stem and when this layer is complete - the leaf is separated from the tissue that connected it to the branch...and it falls.
A tree "knows" that there are times when it is best served by letting go of something - for the benefit of the tree itself. Likewise, there may be things in our lives that are no longer serving a purpose - things that if we DON'T let go of could affect our life as a whole. (beliefs, habits, busyness, relationships...)
What is no longer serving a purpose in your life? (or perhaps never did)
What do you need to let go of?