For those who have never lived in southern Indiana, they may not quite understand our anticipation and excitement for autumn. Some people check their calendars for an official starting date, but we Hoosiers recognize the fall season more from its colors and feel than its date.
The word “autumn” – the formal word for this season – has its roots in the Latin but was first found in the English language in the 14th century. By the 17th century, however, so many people referred to the falling of the leaves or when the leaves fall that here in America the word autumn gave way to the use of fall to describe this beautiful time of the year. And, oh, what a glorious time of year it is!
The hills and hollows start taking on a different hue. The blooms of summer graciously bow out so as not to compete with the highly acclaimed performance of autumn. Every tree takes center stage with a palate of colors and every leaf becomes a paintbrush for a few moments in time. Every leaf contains different color pigments, but we don’t see the various colors during the food production as the chlorophyll turns most leaves green. However, as that season ends the green pigments give way to brilliant colors.
Right now, the air feels crisp and fresh; the sunlight a bit brighter. To drive through the woods and forests in the weeks ahead is to visit nature’s museum of art. God’s handiwork in creation is visibly evident in the beauty of autumn. You know, God could simply have made the leaves turn brown and drop off at the end of summer, but he didn’t. He gave each tree its own spectacular crown of glory and painted his world in a way no artist can duplicate. Just think – if God is so creative with a dying leaf, imagine what he can and will do to bring color to your daily life.
