If you’re looking for spectacular views of fall foliage this year, do not come to southwest Ohio where we live. It would appear the wetter-than-normal weather of 2017 has contributed to early, lackluster color and quickly dropping leaves.
By contrast, last year offered an autumn extravaganza:
(Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum,
Cincinnati, Ohio)
Just what causes the rich jewel tones of color in the fall? I recently relearned the answer from one of my granddaughter’s picture books (!).
In early fall, due to fewer hours of sunlight, cooling temperatures, and less rain (usually), the leaves no longer receive sufficient light and water. They start to separate from the tree, the chlorophyll fades, and the green color begins to disappear.
Now the yellows and oranges, present in the leaves all along, become visible. Some leaves make new pigments from the extra sugar stored inside. These leaves turn red, rust, pink, and purple.
The variety of hues represents some of the most vibrant shades on the color wheel.
And each hue, you may recall, has been assigned a meaning.
Red symbolizes power and strength;
Yellow, energy and intellect.
Orange represents joy and happiness;
Green, stability and safety.
Purple signifies royalty and power;
Pink, love and friendship (1).
M-m-m. Every one of those attributes describes our God.
As we ooh and aah over the wonder of autumn (even if only in small patches!), what if we allow each color to inspire worship?
For example, the brilliant red of the sugar maples can be a reminder he is tireless, never even needing a nap (Psalm 121:4).
He can accomplish anything–like create human beings and a complex, life-sustaining planet for them–because he is the one and only Lord, strong and mighty (Psalm 147:5).
Creation also demonstrates his superior intellectual abilities (Romans 11:33-36) since mysteries still abound in the universe–even after centuries of human inquiry. Gaze at the luminous golden ginkgo trees and affirm: our God knows all and never makes an unwise decision.
A fiery orange serviceberry tree is sure to make you smile with delight. Turn that smile toward your Heavenly Father, the source of all joy (Romans 14:17).
Evergreens provide a continual reminder of our ever-present refuge in him (Psalm 46:1) and his enduring faithfulness to us (Psalm 100:5).
Sweet gum trees don robes of purple in autumn. This color of royalty since ancient times can remind us of our Ancient of Days, the King of all the earth (Psalm 47:7).
Last, the pink leaves of the burning bush can signify the loving friendship he offers (John 15:15), “practical and down-to-earth, yet saturated with heavenly glory” (2).
Whether or not we live in an area where these splendorous colors are on display, we can remember: God’s glory surrounds us just as autumn blaze can envelope a region.
After all, the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3, emphasis added).
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Lord God, that every facet of your character is on display in your creation, giving us opportunity to “see” you. Even the changing leaves of fall call attention to your magnificent attributes. But even more wonderful—you manifest these qualities in our circumstances and in our hearts. Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, and always working wonders? We praise you, O Lord, now and forever!
Romans 1:20; Exodus 15:11; Psalm 145:1
Notes:
- colorwheelpro.com
- Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, Thomas Nelson, 2004, p. 260.
Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.flickr.com.
From the Inside Out 
Oh, Nancy,the things we learn from children’s books! I love autumn as well altho’ our trees in the Pac NW are a little stressed, too, from so little rain. Things are upside down, eh? But God’s beauty still amazes…..
Indeed, God’s beauty still amazes, no matter the weather. We just may have to look for it a bit more intentionally when there’s too much/not enough rain. Thank you for stopping by in the midst of your busy book-launch season. I greatly appreciate it! (P.S. Am greatly enjoying your book, Living the Season Well. You offer some outstanding and very creative ideas for simplifying and slowing down the weeks leading up to Christmas as well as ways to make them more meaningful. Kudos, Jody!)
beautiful reflection. the colors in NW Ohio aren’t much better. I think it may be a dreary brown fall up here. See you soon!
Thank you, Jean. Yes, just a matter of days now!
A great reminder that we can find reasons to worship our God everywhere we look! Thanks for sharing, Nancy!
And thank you for stopping by, Heidi. I know you are especially good at finding reasons to worship–on your frequent walks!
We are “browned out” here in the Georgia mountains, Nancy. It does not, however, prevent me from experiencing all the colors of God’s mighty love. While I miss the color season, he shows himself in so many ways through the nature that surrounds us in this beautiful place. I’m so glad I know him and he knows me by name. Praise Him!
I’m so glad you and Roger live in a beautiful place! You’re right: God shows himself in many ways through our natural surroundings. Sometimes we have to look a little harder, but then discovery becomes part of the fun. And yes, worship is FUN (enjoyment and pleasure), isn’t it, as we celebrate God’s glory–all that he is and all that he does. I remember you as one who found great pleasure in celebrating your Father!
How I miss the pleasure of an Autumn walk through an Ohio woods! Your thoughts brought many fond childhood memories of my early awakening to God’s unsupassing love. Thank you!
Oh, praise God, Susan, this post brought back sweet memories of your early faith! As for an autumn walk through Ohio woods, I wonder what youtube might offer? 🙂
Nancy this is lovely. It reminds me of the Bible study you had here. God’s tapestry. After that study it made me more aware of God’s beautiful landscape. Blessings
Warms my heart to know God used that study to bless you with more awareness of God’s creation. Thank you again. Laura for being my “body guard” before and after those Bible studies! 🙂 Precious moments to visit and become better acquainted.
I love hiking when the leaves turn color. The Alaskan Tundra came to life and the Aspens were brilliant yellow. I don’t think I have ever read about the different colors standing for God’s many attributes. Thank you again for your posts. Indeed the heavens and nature declare His glory.
Praise God for his creation that does indeed give us a glimpse of his glory. Michael Hyatt (former president of Thomas Nelson) calls nature “God’s living room.” I love that. What a privilege we have to visit with him there anytime!
What a beautiful post, Nancy! The description of the colors of fall paired with the pictures was stunning! When fall approached this year I almost didn’t put out my decorations (outside and inside). But the colors are so warm and comforting and gorgeous I couldn’t resist. Even though the man-made decorations are lovely…NOTHING can match the brilliance and splendor of our Creator’s artistry!
Brilliance and splendor indeed! I praise God for the gift of color. Some say there will be even more colors in heaven that we can’t even imagine now. Our God is certainly capable of that! One more thing to wait for with expectation, yes?
Nancy,
This is my favorite time of year, so much so that we named our daughter Autumn.
Enjoy fall,
Gary
A lovely name, to be sure! Yes, I will enjoy fall–the return of cool air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the pumpkins and corn stalks decorating porches here and there. Praise God that each season brings with it numerous delights!
Dear Nancy,
You have a gift for painting perfect visuals.
Thanks,
Gary
This is beautiful, Nancy! I love the idea of using the symbolism of color to worship our Lord. We don’t get too many changing leaves in my neck of the woods, but there are some…I think it’s time I took a walk to seek them out and talk to my Father. 🙂
Sounds like a glorious worship experience, Rebeca! There’s something about serendipitous discoveries that heightens our awareness of his gifts.