Colors of a Fall Sunset

by Volkhard Graf

Last Sunday, I took a short drive up into the hills from our little town. Although we have mostly pine trees in our area, there are some deciduous trees and bushes around. During this season they appear as nice patches of color contrasted against the darker pines. The day had been cloudless and as the sun began to set, it cast its warm glow onto this small stand of brilliantly colored Sugar Maples.

Looking at the scene from a distance, it seemed like a skilled painter used his brush to apply brilliantly vivid colors to his canvas.  Although not everyone shares this belief, I am convinced by evidence and faith that this Grand Painter is Creator God:

God spoke, “Earth, green up” Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants, every sort of fruit-bearing tree.” And there it was. Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties, and fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:11-13)

My heart was filled with gratitude.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise (by: Folliot S. Pierpoint)