Winter is a season often disdained because it gives the appearance of death and decay on an almost overwhelming scale.  But yearly we have proof that it’s nothing more than a season of dormancy and resting.  Old Man Winter, however, is such a master at a deception he tricks some into believing that all may be lost.  But if we watch the seasons and trust the promises of God, we know that trees hold summer’s secret, and that secret is one of light and life.  The branches of this tree may be bare and the nest empty, but the sight, rather than lending a feeling of despair, offers me a sense of hope.  For millions of years the song of many leaves have returned to trees and the sweet chirping of their winged tenants have rung from nests tucked safely in their hearts.  Some things do perish in winter, but many leave behind a seed that will bring more of their species to fruition.  Others just sort of shrink into the ground or their woodiness or secret chambers beneath the surface of the soil to be held in safety until days lengthen and the sun warms them back to life.

The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.  ~Genesis 1:12