The Leaves are Falling (by Charles Flowers, posthumous))
Charles and Karen
This week I looked through some old files–photos and writings that my husband Charles had accumulated and left for me to enjoy. I found the following piece and thought it was lovely so I’m sharing it with you here.
(For those who are new to my blog, Charles passed away in March of 2015.)
“Some years ago I attended a conference at Mount Hermon, a retreat center in the mountains outside Santa Cruz, California. It was a chilly, blustery, November day, with sunlight fleeting in and out of the stately Redwoods. Falling leaves carpeted the walkways and grounds.
As I sat in one of the sessions, intent on the speaker and his message, my attention was momentarily drawn to the large floor-to-ceiling windows to my right. The buffeting wind beat at the glass; a Dogwood tree was framed there, its rust-red leaves being carried away.
The three-day event was called the Fall Adult Conference. I had to chuckle at that, as most of us were indeed adults, senior adults that is, some even in their 90s. I, pushing the end of my 70s.
Immediately I was taken by the realization that in a few years most of us would be carried away, just like those leaves, carried to that place we have hoped for, have surrendered our lives to, in order to be with our Lord in His Love and in His Eternity.
My eyes swept the room, looking at the faces of my fellow attendees. Most were a bit tired and drawn, lined by the years, etched by events that had invaded their lives; events they had never dreamed would be theirs. All were survivors and, without my knowing anyone’s real circumstance, most seemed at peace.
Later, at dinner and at closer observation, again it was the eyes of my tablemates that captured me. Some were now gray, far from the brilliant blue of their youth. Some were sharp, keen observers of what was going on around them, sharpened by life in a world that wasn’t always kind, wasn’t always honest, wasn’t what they had wanted to idealize it to be. Some were tired, some rheumy, and some, it seemed, were already looking at a far distant place.
But for most there was a gentle graciousness in those windows to the soul. Perhaps I wasn’t just seeing my dear friends, but through them, I was seeing the everlasting presence of our Lord, and His magnificent love for each one of us.
Most of us, at this age, like to tell stories, true stories, of how we have managed to survive through failures, losses, and sin on our part. These are mine. Through these life experiences we can see one overriding fact, that when we lived them out alone, there had been terrible and terrifying catastrophes. When we walked with the Lord and listened and trusted Him, those trying times became ones that filled us with awe at the magnificence of His love for us.
Yes, the leaves are falling.”
I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.
Isaiah 46:4
I love this and can just imagine him sharing it at Toastmasters. You keep us in touch with the priceless yet temporary things in life. Thank you Karen
Thank you, Lynn. I believe he did share this story with Toastmasters.
I didn’t know Charles was a writer. This is beautiful and poetic.
Thank you, Janet. Charles was a kind of ‘closet’ writer. He spent a lot of time writing his thoughts and dreams and now that he’s gone I’m happy we have some of them to share and enjoy.
Love this one Mom, brought tears to my eyes thinking of Charles.
Thanks, Jim. Brought tears to my eyes too. This is so like the Charles we all knew and loved.
What a sensitive and wise man Charles must have been. Thank you for sharing this, Karen.
Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate your warm words.
Lovely, Karen. Such sweet memories.
Thank you, Marie.
Thanks for the excerpt from Charles’ writings. I have enjoyed reading several of them from those you previously gave me. His thoughts are beautiful and inspirational.
Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate your sensitivity to his writing.
What a lovely piece of his heart he shared with you, and now us. Thanks Karen!!!
You’re welcome, Etta Mae. Thank you for enjoying his piece.
It brought tears to my eyes too! You and Charles were such a handsome couple and I love the way the gray hair on the top of your heads look so much alike!!!
Thank you for sharing this! Another great memory!
Love to you, Karen, and may future memories bring your smiles and gratitude for the good life you shared together. Magaret
Sweet memories and sweet comments, Margaret. Thank you.
I was really touched by this. If he used it for a speech ar Toastmasters, I’m sure he received top marks for it. Lovely sentiments and honest thoughts from my dear friend, Charles. Miss him bunches!
I miss him too, Glenda. We all shared so many wonderful moments in San Diego.
Thanks for sharing Charles’ story with us- it really touched my heart. As we age, we all face the fact that we are aging and some parts of life have been disappointing, but as Christians we have God’s promise of support and eternal life. I aspire to be one of those gracious ones whose eyes shine with Jesus love- like yours and Charles’.
Thank you, Angela. I love what you shared.
How precious to have the written word to bring back memories! I pray when I am pushing the end of my 70’s that I also will be able to look back and “see” things as clearly as Charles did!
Hugs,
Patti
Thanks, Patti.
Thank you beloved Sister, Karen. As you shared this you truly shared Charles. He was fun and a true Blessing.
Thank you and GOD BLESS you.
It was such a Blessing to be together on Easter.
Jay
Yes, our family Easter celebrating both the risen Christ and your 80th birthday was one of the best get-togethers we’ve ever shared.
That was absolutely beautiful! As I was reading
I was visualizing Mount Hermon as Charles
shared every detail! I loved the photo of
you two! I’m so glad I got to meet and talk
to your wonderful man! Thanks so much
for sharing!
Lovely comments, Joan. Thanks so much for sharing your heart about Charles.
So beautifully written. Charles was talented and very loving and appreciative. You two were blessed to share so much Karen and how comforting for you my dear friend to have, to read, and to treasure these memories. Thank you for bringing this offering to us all too. You are loved.
Thank you, Kathleen. Love words from you, dear friend.
Lovely. Beautiful sentiment. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Laura. Good to hear from you.
I’m still praying for you every day.
Thank you, Janet. How generous of you. You are on my weekly prayer list and hope all is well for you too.
Thanks, Karen.