Dear friends,
I have promised myself that one of these days I will get back into (or actually start!) painting. I have often thought about it, but dithered about what I wanted to paint. Landscapes, vistas, seascapes are all lovely, but actually what inspires me the most is the subtlety of colour – how different the shades and hues of leaves, stones, bricks etc can look when they are placed together. When I admire other people’s gardens, what usually strikes me is the variety of foliage on display or the way a little drop of colour can create a striking contrast with background greenery. At this time of year of course colours in nature abound which gives plenty of scope to look and wonder at the colour palette autumn offers us.
I am sure we have all walked along a path at this time of year and kicked at fallen leaves and marvelled at the different shades of colour just lying there on the ground. Browns which make us think of stability and of the earth itself… reds which remind us of passion and love… oranges which hold so much warmth… and the stronger purples which can fire our imaginations. And the colours on display are made especially magical when accompanied by the low autumn sunshine.
I often think that the variety of colour which creation gives so abundantly must be a reflection of the richness of God’s own nature. A Creator who can make an angelfish, rhinoceros and marmoset, to name but three, must be one who loves and values diverse colours, shapes and quirkiness.
And of course, as part of God’s creation, we too are part of that diverse world… not only in the way we look, but inwardly in our habits, interests, beliefs and ways of being. Why would God not smile at the computer scientists, the hip hop dancers, the teachers, the adventurous and the stay at homes? We are a wonderful mixed bag of individuals, unique in ourselves just as the snowflakes and autumn leaves. And yet… and yet… when we are found together… side by side… does our beauty not increase? One autumn leaf may contain a fabulous colour spectrum… but when found amongst others of beauty and difference, it’s as if one emphasises the gorgeousness of the others and vice versa.
We are all loved as individuals, but when I look around the room after a service on Sunday and see the laughter, the camaraderie and the support and care we show for each other, it is as if our unity highlights how, as a group, we cherish each person’s individuality. Psalm 133 says: ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity!’ As St Paul says, ‘We are one body’ and in that unity we make each other beautiful.
with love, Liz
