Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Recently, with our extended family, we were able to visit the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. My grandson who is almost 3, really enjoys the Flamingos (pictured). As you can see, these beautiful wading birds have a bright pink hew to them. There are six recognized species, based on a few different characteristics, including geographical locations. These particular flamingos are Chilean, found in the southern part of South America. What’s fascinating about all these species is that they have at least one thing in common – their diet.
Flamingos are actually born all white and won’t gain their iconic pink color until 2 or 3 years later. How do they change colors? The food they eat, mostly brine shrimp and blue-green algae. Specifically, the carotenoids in their food, is what turns the bird’s feathers into the bright colors we associate with them, when we think of what a flamingo should look like.
What if Christians are the same way? We are born into a sinful world without the “colors and light,” but as we grow, we learn more about Jesus. We learn of His love and the true meaning of life. In that growth, we start to change, reflecting the love of Christ. Our color are His colors. We are brighter than those around us. Only then can we be the bright colors this world of darkness needs.
Luke 11:35 & 36
“Therefore, take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.
If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light,
As when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.”
Our prayer should be – Allow God’s light and true colors to shine through us, giving hope to the rest of the dark world.