Leaves Don't Change Color; They Are Unmasked

This morning I learn that the beautiful leaf colors are always there but hidden by the green chlorophyll. When the long nights of autumn begin, the chlorophyll production diminishes and reveals the carotenoids (yellows, oranges, and browns) and anthocyanins (reds and purples) that are always there. 

I'm astonished. I think about how change in my own life happens when I let something die within me to reveal the life of Christ that's there but hidden by my own self-life. I let self diminish and Christ rise within me.

Autumn leaves aren't a sign of loss or decay like I thought. They more represent identity unmasked.