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Just Hanging On


The autumn, with its Indian summer and varying temperatures, is long gone.  The winter solstice was eight days ago, and we are getting ready to put up a new, empty calendar as the earth just keeps right on spinning.

But still, some of the leaves hang on, stubborn, unwilling to give up whatever it is that keeps them clinging to the tree.  Even the strong winds that came though with last week's cold front wasn't able to tear all the fragile stems loose.  Some may be able to hold on all winter, just to pushed away when spring sends out new leaves.  

Such tenacity, when we see the futility of it from our lofty perches, seems misplaced, wasted.

Could it be that it is just hanging there for an example for all of us?

Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. 
       ~Harper Lee in To Kill a Mockingbird.

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