A Science and Spiritual Lesson

I’ve always been fascinated with the science behind this metamorphosis. God, in His infinite wisdom, fashioned each leaf with a chemical called chlorophyll which helps with what we call photosynthesis. As seasons change from summer to fall, less light and cooler temperatures prevent this process. As a result, chlorophyll is no longer produced and we are allowed to see two other pigments, carotenoids and anthocyanins.

Carotenoids produce brown, yellow, and orange colors, the same pigment that makes corn yellow and carrots orange. Anthocyanins produce purple, red, and pink. These are the same colors found in berries and apples. These pigments were there even when the leaf was green, but there was so much chlorophyll, you just could not see them.

What are the qualities that God has imparted to you, but they haven’t yet been displayed like the colors which we are all eager to see in the fall? Sometimes it takes change, often difficult change, to bring out these hidden God-given traits. We have learned from the trees that it is uncomfortable temperatures and sun deprivation. For us, it can be problems with family, friends, finances, or a whole host of other challenges. What colors will be brought out during your stressful change…the beautiful colors of love, patience, or unexplainable peace?

Changing seasons of our life need not always be stressful. God’s word goes so far to say that “we [can] glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” Romans 5:3-5.

Yes, we can endure and even glory in our difficulties because we have the perfect love of Jesus which casts away fear and teaches us to trust Him in all things. Now that’s something that will attract others to you/Him to view our brilliant changes no matter what difficult season of life you may be in. Can somebody shout Amen?