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Seasons Of Change
In Seasons
of Change, How Will You Choose?
AVA OPENNINGTON
Fall
... the time when (in places other than Florida!) nature dons flamboyant garb
as God paints His world with vibrant colors. Lush, supple leaves in shades of
green gradually change color until the green is just a memory, replaced by
vivid red, yellow and orange.
But where do the fall colors come
from? What causes the bright transformation each year?
Actually, those other colors were
there the whole time.
Remember middle school science
class? Chlorophyll in the leaves creates the green color.
Other
chemicals, such as carotene, create orange, yellow and red pigments.
The
other colors are always there. But the work of the chlorophyll overpowers those
chemicals and conceals the additional hues.
Shorter
days and cooler temperatures cause the chlorophyll in the leaves to break down.
Since
the chlorophyll is responsible for the green color, as it breaks down, the
other pigments are free to strut their stuff.
Of course, you know there's a
spiritual application in all this, don't you?
Life can be moving along, fresh
and lush.
Good
things are happening, and you're growing in the warmth of the sun. And then
suddenly, there's a chill in the air as tragedy strikes.
You lose your job.
The bank is about to foreclose.
Your husband wants a divorce.
The prognosis is terminal.
And you and I have a
choice.
o We can curl up in a corner and surrender to
defeat. Or we can allow the cold circumstances to reveal strength we never knew
was there as we depend on God for His upholding.
o Instead of being overpowered by a situation
that would conquer most people, we can stand firm in the power of our heavenly
Father.
o We can become bitter because life didn't turn
out the way we wanted. Or we can grow in the grace of the Holy Spirit as we
follow His leading.
o We can resent our losses. Or we can trust the
Lord for what He will give us in their place.
Our choice will
determine the colors that shine through our life.
Will you and I allow disappointment to be His appointment?
Will we allow God to turn our messes into messages?
Our tests into a testimony?
And our trials into triumphs?
Sometimes green is just for a season.
But there's a season for reds, oranges and yellows, too. And even when those vibrant colors turn brown and it feels like there's no coming back...
Fall follows summer.
Winter follows fall.
And spring follows winter.
And with spring comes tender shoots with lush green leaves — again.
What season are you in?
Which colors are you displaying?
Which colors are you displaying?
Ava Pennington is a
writer, speaker and Bible teacher. She writes for nationally circulated
magazines and is published in 32 anthologies, including 25 "Chicken Soup for
the Soul" books. She also authored Daily Reflections on
the Names of God: A Devotional,
endorsed by Kay Arthur. Learn more at AvaWrites.com.
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