Be Like the Leaf and Surrender
Have you ever watched leaves flutter in the wind? No matter how gentle the breeze, the leaf graciously gives way. It’s supple and compliant response to the bend of the wind makes me ponder surrender.
The leaf always yields to the guidance of the wind. The relationship between the leaf and the wind appears in sync. In contrast, the leaf’s companion, the tree trunk, is much more static and immovable. It takes a great force of wind for the tree to yield.
Surrender
Be like the leaf, not a tree trunk. When it comes to the Holy Spirit, we should desire to be like the leaf, sensitive to the movement of the Spirit, receptive to changes in direction and always yielding.
There is no struggle or strife in the presence of submission. We expend great energy in battling and resisting, at least I seem to. Scripture tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Peace, joy and hope all sound wonderfully appealing. However, there is a condition to receiving these consolations, “trusting in him.” There is this part of me that forgets to trust and instead forges ahead, resisting the guidance of the Spirit. I want it my way, in my time, in my way, according to my plan – not exactly a posture of surrender. The clear result of my resistance is unrest.
I look up at the leaves poised high above the trees. The sound of the rustling leaves rings forth the presence of the Holy Spirit. I want to be like the leaf that obeys the wind and yields to the slightest movement of air. I want to be like the leaf that rests in stillness when the winds stops. And when asked to release, I want to open my grip and let go.
Lord, breathe more of your Holy Spirit into my soul. Help me to be like the leaf that dances in harmony with the movement of your Spirit. And as the years pass by, may I resemble a leaf that has been well worn and colored by your requests.
”As the soul is the life of the body, so the Holy Spirit is the life of our souls.” – St. Peter Damian
Amen! We,in the church, have missed so many opportunities for evangelization and healing through our surrender to the gifting of the Holy Spirit. I am praying for not only my surrender, but also greater surrender in the church at large!
I needed this today, Leslie. Thank you for this beautiful reminder and challenge.
Beautifully written and poignant. Again, you echo my mantra: “Invite, Surrender, Trust” – a daily battle!
So needed after coming down the mountain after our Unleash retreat with the teens. Thank you, Leslie.
Beautiful, Les…. loved the comparison between the leaf & the trunk!
Love this analogy! Makes me think of the different seasons too😊 Sometimes the leaves are bright green & vibrant in beginning and in the fall they are vibrant in their swan song. And then they begin again!