Picture of the day - December 30, 2007

"One stubborn apple"

Photo courtesy of Cindy Westover. Today's picture features one determined apple that stubbornly refuses to succumb to winter's onslaught, apparently hanging on for all it's worth even as others around it lie scattered all over the ground. This image reminds me of the apple trees that my dad was always so proud of when we lived "up in the holler" in Widener Valley, Virginia so many years ago. Just about every winter there would be at least one stubborn apple that would refuse to fall from its branch no matter what kind of nasty weather came its way. But come spring, it would finally release its death grip and fall gently to the ground below to make way for the new crop. We humans are a lot like this as well. As we near the end of our lives, we do our very best not to succumb to the ravages of age and disease. We fight with everything we have, refusing to give up and go to the grave even one day sooner than absolutely necessary. And I believe that's the way God wants it. Life is precious, and it's only natural that we would want to cling to its fragile branch just as long as we possibly can. But there always comes a time when we know that it's time for us to go - a time when a certain peace comes over us as we hear the gentle voice of an angel whisper "Come with me. It's time to go home." And so we do. Another stubborn apple falls gently to the ground as its spirit rises to meet its heavenly reward.   Click here to comment on this picture.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!            Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"