A Tree Loses its Leaves

Lessons of Letting Go

I painted this Mulberry tree next to my home. Sept 2025

Every day I look out my bedroom windows and see the neighbors’ fruit trees. Our landlords have a mulberry and fig tree. The mulberry tree has long since finished producing berries. The deep green color of the leaves is turning to yellowish-green. Soon, those leaves will become bright yellow and fall to the ground. The fig tree is producing lots of delicious fruit. It’s a treat when our neighbors bring over a bowl full of the sweet figs.

As I observe the trees, I have wondered. What makes a tree lose its leaves? Science books say trees lose their leaves to prepare for winter. Shedding leaves protects the tree from physical damage, conserves water and energy, and recycles nutrients.

Fall, like any season, was set in place by our Creator to bring restoration to the environment, animals, and humans. The fall begins with several holidays that He has set as special appointments with His people.

YHWH’s people were commanded to observe the Day of Atonement in the fall. YHWH intentionally chose the fall for this appointed time. Perhaps there is something to learn about this season of our spiritual walk as we observe the leaves.

Just as the tree releases its leaves, I believe the Day of Atonement is about release, too.

The Day of Atonement is about accepting Yahushua as the sacrifice that atones for our sins.

1John 2:2 And He Himself is an atoning offering for our sins, and not for ours only but also for all the world.

We need to let go of the sin, but not the One who provides atonement for the sin.

If you observe this meaningful time, this is a day to soul-search. On the Day of Atonement, we consider what is in our hearts and lives that we need to let fall to the ground. As humans, we have many behaviors, beliefs, and thoughts that hold us back from flourishing with Elohim.

Witnessing leaves fall from a tree may be sad because it marks death. However, death is a necessary part of living. Observing the Day of Atonement allows us to die to ourselves, so we may live for YHWH.

When the leaves fall, the tree is ready for winter.

When we let our sin fall to the ground, we are ready too. The storm and winds will come, but we will be able to handle them.

In the spring, the process will start all over again with pretty, new buds-perhaps a time of new growth in our walks with Elohim!

Next time you look out your window or sip a cup of coffee on your porch, pay attention to the trees. Notice the vibrant colors of the leaves before they fall to the ground. Breathe the crisp, autumn air and thank YHWH for His work in you, allowing your sins to fall to the ground, so you may live.

1Peter 2:24 [Yahushua] Himself bore our sins in His body on the timber, so that we, having died to sins, might live unto righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.