true colours - that's why i love you

I sing with the choir on Sunday mornings at St. John The Evangelist Anglican Church in Port Hope, Ontario. I am grateful that we altos sit on the north side of the chancel, which gives me a great view of the spring sunshine pouring in through the beautiful and ancient stained glass windows on the south wall. I love stained glass of all sorts, and the liturgy lends itself at some moments to quiet contemplation, which is my chance to gaze off into the colours and lights of the glass, melted by the sunlight into brilliance. The tinted rays splash joyfully over the congregants, who are seemingly completely oblivious to how they are contributing to the decoration of the church by reflecting the light in this way.

As I drift, I realize that Community is a stained glass window. Our community at St. John's is made up of all sorts and conditions of humanity. Each member is a piece in the completed puzzle of the window. Each one has unique facets - the particular colour, texture and transparency of the glass; the size and shape it's cut into; how it harmonizes, contrasts or clashes with the nearby pieces; how it has been linked into the overall image by thicker or thinner lines of lead. Some of these pieces may be retrieved from the discarded bits of other works, or reclaimed from brokenness. Some may have cracks or chips. Some may be cut from new, whole glass fresh from the factory. No matter - they all take their place in the picture. And most importantly - they all allow the sun to shine through them to illuminate the world for those who wish to see.

Here I am, being myself, showing my true colours. Be brave; trust in God and do the same. The Great Artisan chose you and me personally, put us together, right there in the picture, in exactly the right spot. Let the Light shine through!

I see your true colors / And that's why I love you / So don't be afraid to let them show /  Your true colors.              

Cyndi Lauper - True Colors Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

True Colors | YouTube