As I was in the driveway yesterday, something caught my eye. Most of the leaves on the trees are still green, being early in the fall season. Such is the case with the sugar maple in our front yard. What caught my eye was the lone bright red leaf amid the green.

It was different.

What an object lesson from nature, showing how God desires those who trust in Him to be different:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. (Philippians 2:14-16)

and

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

These are verses I pray for our kids, that they would not be afraid to be different from this warped generation!