Over the last few weeks, here in the Tennessee valley, nestled between Lookout and Signal Mountain, we have seen rich, decadent colors across the landscape. Spicy tangerines, warm golds and sassy reds that would make anyone’s head turn. God’s artistry, on exhibit for the whole world. And I’ve enjoyed every drive down corridor J watching the vibrant tones wrap around the mountains, grateful for the incredible beauty.
I’ve been so taken with this foliage, and I know I’ve posted way too many photos of it all, so I hope you’ll bear with me…But, I’ve been curious. So, I googled my question.
Why are the leaves so brightly colored? What are the factors that change from year to year. Last year, I promise, the leaves weren’t half as gorgeous and I just had to know : What makes the difference?
Well, I’m not a scientist, so, I’m about to give you my simplistic explanation. I may use the wrong terminology, so my apologies in advance. But here’s the deal : Its their food. The leaves take in different amounts of rain and sunshine. Each year as summer ends and the leaves begin to die, eventually falling from their branches, they change color. When the leaves have had the right amount of rain and sun over the previous season, creating just the right amount of food in their veins, as they go through their sort of tribulation and ultimately die. they begin to shine with the brightest of hues.
It is miraculous in my mind. I wonder if I could do half as well in my own human tragedy?
If I have been eating the right spiritual foods, my life will be aglow with His colors, colors of true beauty, from His Spirit, like joy, patience, peace, humility and charity… rather than dull, gray colors of self preservation, pride or deceit. In my weak humanity, when I face trials, I tend to wallow in self pity, or jealousy. If I have not eaten well and consumed His Word, when the time comes I will be lifeless and without His glow.
These words from Philippians are a really good place to start filling up my heart and mind:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever thingsare of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Heavenly Father, Let me be like your beautiful creation, drawing attention to You and Your ways first. Remind me to take Your words in, so that I will wear your colors on the outside. amen.
daily portion 