Why the Fall Colors? by John Loyd

The fall is my favorite season. The colors overwhelm my eyes as every tree and bush shouts, “Here I am! Look at me! You didn’t even notice me as an individual all summer long. But now! Look how I stand out from all the other foliage around me, even though my neighbors are just as striking. But pay attention to me! Now you can see the full glory of all that I am!”

But why does all that color exist? What is its purpose? What is the point of all this color? From whence comes its vibrance?

At a writer’s conference Jan was exposed to the Golden Circle concept formulated by Simon Sinek. The Golden Circle consists of three concentric rings. The inner circle is labelled, “Why?” The middle ring is labelled, “How?” The outer ring is labelled, “What?” Sinek employs this diagram to describe the difference between successful and mediocre companies. The successful companies effectively communicate to customers why they make products, rather than what they make or how they make products. The “Why” creates a compelling emotional connection with their customers who have a similar “Why,” thus building a loyal customer base. Apple is an example of one such company. 

Jan has given thought to applying this diagram to our life in Christ. I as well have used it to bring light to Scripture passages that have a “so that” (“Why,” or purpose) at their core.

The “Why” of Fall Color

So, starting at the center of the circle, why the Fall color?

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 (NASB)

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 
Psalm 19:1 (NASB)  

All this color is aimed at us, displaying God’s glory, bringing us joy and understanding of who he is. The “Why” of Fall color is to alert us to His presence and His intent to communicate with us.

The “How” of Fall Color

And how does God accomplish His purpose?

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:3 (NASB)

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 1:27 (NASB)

Through his intelligent design God accomplished His purpose to communicate with us. God spoke everything into existence with intricate detail, and through His design His voice reverberates still.

His amazing intelligent design provided the biological and chemical intricacies of trees that pop out in color when the conditions are right.

His amazing intelligent design gave us eyes to see all this color, eyes that are able to distinguish the colors, and brains that can interpret the nerve signals as color.

The “What” of Fall Color

Here are a few recent examples of "What” from around our neighborhood:

Sometimes there is even a sunrise or sunset thrown in there as well for extra color:

The most moving aspect of this whole Golden Circle example is God’s “Why” aligns with our “Why.” His intent to speak through the Fall colors creates a compelling emotional bond with us who are intently listening for His presence. He speaks to us in color and we listen with our eyes.