The Grace of Trees

It's an overcast, drizzly day here in Columbia. As I was looking at the fiery fall colors, I thought, "God didn't have to make trees this way." The beautiful colors are completely gratuitous. Even on an evolutionary account, I can't think of any reason why the colors of autumn leaves would be pleasing to us, or even visible to human eyes. What sort of evolutionary advantage could this give a tree? None, that I can see. It seems the only reasonable explanation for the colors of fall is: God just wanted to see us smile.

The Scholar's Prayer

Lord and Savior, true and kind,be the master of my mind;
bless and guide and strengthen stillall my powers of thought and will.

While I ply the scholar's task,Jesus Christ be near I ask;
help the memory, clear the brain,knowledge still to seek and gain.

Here I train for life's swift race;let me do it in thy grace;
here I arm me for life's fight;let me do it in thy might.

Thou hast made me mind and soul;I for thee would use the whole.
Thou hast died that I might live;all my powers to thee I give.

Striving, thinking, learning still,let me follow thus thy will;
till my whole glad nature be,trained for duty and for thee.

C.G. Moule, Anglican Bishop of Durham, 1901-1920.