Peaceful Transitions of Power

“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.“

John Muir

Here in the North Carolina Piedmont, Autumn leaves are typically at peak color in late October and early November. That’s precisely the time when politics are at peak intensity for Election Day. This year, especially, the political landscape has been ablaze with passion and red with rage.

About a week after Election Day, the leaves are falling with gusto. As I write, released leaves flutter in the Carolina blue sky, then drift and gather on the ground. Some tree varieties hold onto their leaves longer than others. Oak leaves, for instance, dry out and brown on the branches, and it takes a stiff wind or fierce rainstorm to shake them loose.

But it’s inevitable. Like darkness, raindrops, and temperatures, leaves fall. They let go, leaf by leaf, and the stunning skeletons of deciduous trees are revealed.

And so goes the process of Autumn becoming Winter. It’s one of those always-wondrous transitions that Mother Nature is famous for.

Transitions.

Our country is in transition now as we anticipate and prepare for the inauguration of our new President, Joe Biden, and Vice President, Kamala Harris. Americans cast their ballots in record-breaking numbers. Though the election is over and the votes finally counted, there are some leaves that still cling desperately to the trees.

The peaceful transfer of power is one of those almost-miraculous transitions that American democracy is famous for. May we uphold this time-honored foundation with the practicality and grace that Mother Nature exemplifies.

Like the seasons, America must peacefully move on.