Drifting leaves

Deciduous trees are having their heyday in our yard. Un fortunately our area is in a “burn ban” due to the extensive drought—so there will be no pleasant Fall aroma of burning leaves. Nevertheless fallen and drifting leaves fling open the door for a really fun time for children’s joy—jumping and playing in leaf piles. There is no end to childhood creativity with leaf piles. Some fussy OCD folks chide children for scattering neatly piled leaves . What a joy-killer! I love to see carefully curated leaf piles where little children joyfully romp in them–and when adults jump into the fray as well. After all, it will be a year before there is another chance!

Last week my daughter jennifer and I drove into North Georgia for a quick visit to one of the several full-complement roadside farms featuring fall produce. It was a beautiful drive. The fiery flames of foliage were just beginning to ignite. Crisp morning air will soon hasten a fully brilliant, flamboyant landscape. From North Georgia to New England leaf-peeping tours are on the rise.

Leaves gradually began losing their green in early fall. I eagerly anticipate seeing my favorite colors, especiallly, Maple leaves—in a variety of hues. Acording to the Smithsonian, Most of the year, these leaves are green because of the chlorophyll they use to absorb energy from sunlight during photosynthesis. The leaves convert the energy into sugars to feed the tree.

In my yard there are over a dozen hardwood trees—hickory, oak, and Tulip Poplar. I like these hardwood trees for the shade they provide. In this region, Summer temperatures are hot; therefore working or sitting in the shade is more comfortable. Therefore, I tolerate the falling leaves. Acorns are another matter—but as the old saying goes, “The fleas come with the Dog,” so I tolerate the acorns—they give some license to the squirrel population; not much, but some.

Now, back to the luscious leaf piles; True, playing in the leaf pile typically undoes the labor of raking, but my question is this: Which is better, the neat. leaf-free lawn, or children enjoying playtime? We adults tend to measure the behavior of children in terms of adult metrics—which have little to do with children’s young worlds. Outside of meaningful safety and dramatic injury, children need to play. We learned a lot about that need during the Pandemic. Lets let the lesson linger.

I am reminded of young David tending sheep as they grazed—and wandered—in their green pastures. He had plenty of time to learn, and become skillful at playing his harp. David’s skill caught the attention of King Saul, who needed those tunes to tame his temperament. Although little David was not playing in a pile of leaves (or I don’t think he did) he was joyfully picking out tunes. Those tunes became solace for the king. Unhurried leisure, like playing in the leaves, or playing on a harp, can provide crucial time for children to grow their inner wight.

Much like fussy folk, frowning at children disturbing leaf piles, followers of Jesus got their knickers in a knot about his giving time and attention to children. These fuddy-duddies gave no quarter to children. Their thoughts about children seem to hold the quaint idea that children were not to occupy the attention of adults. Jesus pointed out that we should take lessons from children for our participation in the Kingdom of Heaven.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023