Color your world
The band Chicago recorded a one-verse song called “Colour My World”. The number of verses speaks to the impact of each word. The lyrics are almost too simple to be catchy, yet they encapsulate four of life’s essentials: sharing, appreciation, love, and hope.
This time of year, as leaves dip into jade, ginger, coffee, and amber, we cannot help but recognize the impact of a single leaf. Therein one leaf is an entire bouquet of beauty captured in something meant to fall. Perhaps it is a whimsical thought, but maybe painted leaves let go of their branches to bring art to our path. In preparing to fall, leaves color our world.
Often it is in the vulnerability of letting go that we realize our beauty and strength. We can learn a lot about ourselves when we set loose from the quivering branch that no longer supports who we are or whom we are becoming. In the turning, the up and downs of being carried by fate and faith, the burst of flight, followed by the descent upon solid ground, it may appear as if we are falling and finished, but in truth, we are evolving.
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.” – Louis L’Amour
We are never too old, experienced, or established to be a beginner at something new. Discover what colors your world, whether it be a fresh outlook or a new adventure. Evaluate your palette (mentally and tangibly), and see if you desire more fresh bursts of yellow, soft hues of blue, or calming waves of green. Do not be afraid to dream, fail, and fall forward. In doing so, you may discover another facet of yourself that enriches your soul, ignites your passion, broadens your smile, and shines light upon another’s path. Challenge yourself to set loose from that which keeps you stagnant. As you accept and make changes, think of letting go as a dance rather than a descent.
“Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!” — Constanze Mozart
In pursuing and exploring your dreams, soon your feet will land on solid ground. You are an entire bouquet of exquisiteness, talents, gifts, thoughts, actions, and feelings. You do not have to do anything grand to make a significant impact. Look around. What needs to be improved? Who needs a helping hand? How can you help? Look inside yourself. What have you wanted to try or do that you have yet to attempt or see through to completion?
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Do not shy away from adding fresh color to your world. Be brave enough to see what you are capable of. Trust God to keep you grounded in faith as seasons and circumstances change. When you let go of excuses, doubts, others’ opinions, and fears long enough, you will realize the value of the time you have left. The song will be over much too soon, so dance while you can.
Share, appreciate, love, and hope — color your world.
Tiffany Kaye Chartier
SGLY, dear reader.
(Smile, God Loves You.)
Tiffany Kaye Chartier, Author 