The Leaf
In the first panel of the comic strip, Linus notices a leaf as it detaches itself from the tree that gave it life. Gradually over the next three comic panels, the leaf flutters to the ground all the while Linus watches. Not missing a beat Linus continues to look at the leaf and says, “I hope you know what you’re doing!”
I have always loved Peanuts comics. As a child, I would read and reread any Peanut comic book that I could get my hands on. My mother lamented over this choice commenting more the once that I ought to be reading real books. They were real to me. The characters were delightful to watch. Charles Schulz’s humor never disappointed. Many sweet little life lessons where held within those comic strip pages.
This comic from today’s calendar struck me in a different way.
In the last few months I had on rather short notice transitioned from a long term successful management position into an entirely new route. It occurred to me that this phrase, “I hope you know what you are doing!”, could be taken from more than one perspective.
Did I make a mistake? Did I really know what I was doing?
I paused at that thought. Are others around me, like Linus, looking at me, watching as I flutter “to the ground” and wondering the same – do they hope I know what I am doing? A sense of loneliness wormed it’s way into my heart, as if I have chosen this route on my own erratic volition. This new path was only going to work if I knew what I was doing.
After pondering this perspective I suddenly realize that in this scene, I was not the leaf after all. The leaf is seen as randomly released by the tree its source of life and is falling and unattended. The tree has little interest in what’s best for the leaf.
I catch my breath because in my scene God is the tree: it is He who created me, loves me and is indeed guiding me to make choices that are in my best interest.
Linus has doubt in the situation he’s seeing. I too have doubts, but they are fleeting as I know He knows what He is doing! He has promised me good plans:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
This is why unequivocally Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses.
Do you see yourself as the leaf randomly falling or as the one guided by God? Spend some time meditating on this verse, praying about and examining your place in Christ.
Still uncertain about where you are and what He’s doing? Consider chatting with another Christ follower sharing your plans, doubts and thoughts. Keep watching, praying and listening as He has promised good plans!
JW