In the part of the country I grew up the Sumac tree was the first to signal fall. That tree would begin to show its yellow, orange, and red foliage long before other varieties had any indication of fall. 
When I travel I am very aware of the trees. In fact, they are my favorite thing in nature. Most likely because they have always been a type of parable to me. Their great height assures me that reaching toward heaven is a daily need. When I see some with twisted trunks or branches they remind me that just because a storm comes it doesn’t mean your life is over. When I see others with their root system exposed I relate to the feeling of being exposed for all to see my inward self.
When I see the trees that first turn color I am reminded how important it is to be one that heralds. Remember the angels at Christ birth how they have been labeled the “heralding angels”. They carry that name because they were the first to bring the news. We have the opportunity to be “heralders” as well. We can be the first to offer hope, salvation, or courage to those who have never heard the “good news”.
In America we assume everyone has heard the “good news”. After all, there are churches on every corner. But even with the flood of Christian television programs and ads for local churches, many have been untouched. God still chooses as HIS favorite method, the one to one approach. How awesome would it be if you and I decided to be the first indication in a person’s life that Jesus loved them? Many have not heard that “good news”. No one has reached them to tell them how much HE loves them. If they have any concept of Jesus at all it is of a mean, disinterested, ruler who enjoys watching the misery of their lives.
Just as the Sumac stands out because it is the first to show forth the color of change, we can stand out in our daily world. We can be the one that colors a different picture of Christ to those around us. We are all tempted in these uncertain times to become consumed with our problems, our families, and our futures. But that is not the model Christ left for us. HIS model was to lay down HIS life so that you and I might know. To be HIS disciples we must be willing to lay down our self-absorption and look to the wellbeing of others.
I would have never known what a Sumac is if it had not been for its unique splendor among a sea of green. There are those who will never know the beauty of salvation if we don’t herald the good news of Christ to them.