Tannin

The picture at the right is of the Blackwater river, right above the falls.  It's not very visible in this particular image, but the water in the river is the color of pale tea.

The spruce and hemlock along the river drop their needles into the water, and add tannin, changing the water's color.

Is there anything we do in life that changes the characteristics of the environment around us?  Certainly, there is.  The question to ask ourselves is whether what we do adds a "tannin" that is God-like.  Does what we do bring our world closer to the kingdom of God?  Do we allow God to work through us to color the world?

By the way, if you are given the opportunity to visit Blackwater Falls State Park, I highly recommend it.  The visit the falls, you can walk down a 214 step boardwalk -- worth the trip!