Preparing for Winter

It was the first frost that beckoned me
into the fog and freezing air with not coat or gloves.
Outside I trod, camera in hand, and dog at heels.

The frosted lines of the fallen leaves captivated my attention. 
Crunching through the leaves, the dog snorted and sniffed.
When I heard the rustling behind me, I assumed it was him.

Looking up, I saw him before me, but the rustling behind.
A stray squirrel, I dismissed the sound.
Why doesn't the dog chase away the rodent?

The rustling continued, and finally I turned to examine.
However, it wasn't a stray squirrel rodent at all.
The large catalpa tree was giving up her leaves for the winter.

Slowly, rhythmically, leaves fell through the sky,
landing on the steadily accumulating pile at her base. 
Laid bare, she was preparing for winter by sacrificing.

And, the scene reminded me of the Proverbs 31 woman...
"She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet." verse 21

And I began to wonder...
How am I preparing my family for the upcoming winter? 
Not only the winter, a season of the year,
but the winter, seasons of sorrow and hardships in life.
How am I helping my children to prepare
for the sorrows and hardships that inevitably come in life?
~ Dorie



Linked to Word Filled Wednesday, Walk with Him Wednesdays, and Imperfect Prose