Carotenoids are the yellow, orange and red pigments that give leaves their color. Throughout Spring and Summer, chlorophyl - the green pigment necessary for water absorption - is present in such large amounts that it overpowers the others. In the fall, when the weather cools and the days get shorter, the trees respond by producing less and less chlorophyll, until it stops altogether and the tree's "true colors" can show through.
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. - Luke 12:2
I've always heard that scripture used in the negative - you can't hide your mistakes and bad choices; you'll be found out eventually. But I think it applies to the flip side also. The beauty and talent hidden in you can't be stifled and "hidden under a bushel" forever. Eventually, the things and people who act as chlorophyl will become less necessary, less intrusive, and allow your true colors to show through.
Raising children, school activities, church committees, housekeeping, cooking, baking, work, laundry - putting every ounce of energy into family and home was my chlorophyl for many years. After the kids left home, and I voted not to cook anymore, there were chunks of time freed up for... for what?
At first I didn't know what to do with the time, but then a hint of yellow started to peek through . . . and I discovered painting. Then there was a streak of orange, and I cared a bit less about public perception. A tinge of red - just around the edges - and a tinge of self-confidence followed. Slowly but surely the chloraphyl is fading and my true colors are starting to show.
Of course I mourned the loss of chlorophyl at first. Being a mom, a librarian, a class sponsor, a vacation bible school teacher and all the other titles, were my purpose, my identity and my protection. I felt like Kermit the frog without them - sitting all by myself on a rock singing "It's Not Easy Being Green." But after nearly 10 years, the green is almost gone and I'm loving the new colors -- the TRUE colors. I'm dubbing the next 25 years - God grant that I should have that many - the True Colors Years. The years that I won't be overshadowed, or forced to conform. I will be transformed into the beautiful creation I really always was.
