clearly seeing His invisible qualities

These are some of my favorite few weeks of the year - peak leaf season in Virginia! Every day it seems that I notice a tree I haven't before, and I am blown away by the beauty around me. No question, my favorite trees are the maples that display a full range of color - from green to red to yellow to orange. They positively look like they are on fire and I love it!

I've been picking up leaves on a few recent walks and the individuality of each leaf's color and design only takes my appreciation to a new level. I found myself reminded of a distinction shared by my college advisor (Jerry Root) - the difference between gratitude and adoration. Gratitude is being thankful for something we're given; adoration is when we ask "What must God be like to give me that or do that or create that?" So as I soak up the spectacular fall colors around me, I have found myself not only grateful that such beauty exists, but also driven beyond that to think: "What must God be like to create something so amazing?!" He could've made all the leaves just turn brown and fall off. Or to stay on the trees all year with no change - no fall and no spring. I love that He allows us such tangible reminders of His value of artistry, beauty, and detail.

Paul tells us that "since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Autumn leaves are one such example of that display of His invisible qualities - and I can only hope that they are clearly revealing the Lord to those who see them - encouraging those who know Him and drawing those who don't closer toward Himself.