Have you ever wondered when the leaves change why some leaves on the same tree, even on the same brnch, turn different colors as the tree begins to shut down for the coming winter? And then there are the leaves that have different colors on the very same leaf.
The scientific answer, of course, explains some of it, namely, that the chlorophyll breaks down as days become shorter and the leaves absorb less sunlight so the colors we associate with fall that were always there break through. The reduced sugars that come from the green leaves put the trees to sleep, so to speak.
But then there are evergreens, the pines that stand out against the brilliance of an autumn day. Evergreens survive through photosynthesis even in the winter. We humans have different methods of adapting to temperature changes, of course, by bundling up to retain body heat. Time to think about winter clothing drives to help our neighbors who are in need of warm clothing.
Prayer for the Day
Awed by the beauty of autumn around us, O God,
Touching us even as we consider our hopes and longings;
Be with us as we wrestle with the dreams and demons of our lives,
Bringing us to a new understanding of your will for the world.
Write within each of our hearts your law of love and justice,
As we strive to fulfill your promise of grace to the world.
In the name of the One who opens us to your grace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
No man can be a good citizen unless he has a wage more than sufficient to cover the bare cost of living, and the hours of labor short enough so that after his day’s work is done he will have the time and energy to bear his share in the management of the community, to help in carrying the general load.
Theodore Roosevelt, environmentalist, President (1858-1919)
When you are poor every stage has to be thought through. Wealth is the opposite. With wealth you get to be thoughtless.
Zadie Smith, Swing Time (2016)
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Psalm 25: 4-5