Puzzles and leaves seem to occupy my mind lately. The leaves are starting to change colors and they are beautiful. The variety of colors are amazing; red, yellow, orange, green, and every shade thereof. Makes me think of God and His different shades of grace and mercy. It seems that in every season of my life there is a different shade of God. Sometimes I need barrels of patience to endure the day. Other times I need wagons full of understanding to get the point. Right now it seems that I am receiving a small stream of creativity with just enough confidence or stupidity to try something new. Shades  of color evoke so many different feeling, thoughts, and emotions. I see the color purple and my world is fine even if it is actually turning upside down. Yes folks, purple in all shades is my favorite. I often wonder why I am drawn to purple, but I have never come up with a reason, just one of those things I guess. 

Back to the leaves. Leaves in all shades remind me that God exists in all shades. Good reminders when the day gets long and the road dry. I see a leaf and know that God cares for me, not just about me, but for me. What I like and don't like, what will make me smile and laugh. Good reminders that I will be fed and clothed and that I will have a place to lay my head.

Leaves remind me that my family will be cared for and that the kids will have what they need, maybe not always what they want or what I want, but what we need. I learned a long time ago that there is a definite difference between a need and a want. Even in this difference though, we still tend to get at times what we want too. 

Leaves also inspire me to dream, to think about my life and what I want to be when I grow up. This seems to be the point for me right now, what do I want to be when I grow up? So many good things to do and be, but what am I made for? That is the question dear Watson, what am I made for? At least in the midst of this question I have a lot of leaves to look at and ponder and feel somewhat at peace about the question. So for today,, go find some leaves, imagine what shade of God is in that pile, and throw a few in the air for me.