Experiencing God on a winter day ...

It has been quite some time since my last post. Next week I am beginning a continuing education course through Emmanuel College on photography and spirituality. I'm sure I'll have things to reflect on, write about and share through that.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to take a walk. It was a cold winter day with a clear blue sky. I don't usually enjoy the cold of winter, but that day I found a sense of peacefulness and contentment in being outside, walking, listening and looking for the wonderful signs of God's grace and presence.

One thing that struck me were the shadows from the sun. They really do add to the beauty of a stream or landscape. And they show the intricate beauty of God's creation. Reflections ... a surprising gift from God!

As well, with the snow covering the ground and trees, the hints of vibrant colour come even more alive than they usually are. These orange berries are always there on this tree, but the touch of snow highlights the orange and brings it into the forefront. The oranges, reds, purples and even brownish beige come alive with beauty.

I'm always drawn into the intricate detail of nature. It highlights for me the amazing creation that God has made and blessed us with. Tree trunks in particular show a pattern each of which is unique. The way the snow lands and settles on the trunk adds even more detail and beauty. And yet, it's so easy to miss if we're not looking for it. Isn't that true of life too; we miss the small details when we only look at the bigger picture of life and the world.

I was struck too by the lonely branches of trees that poked through the drifts of snow. They often seemed so fragile and vulnerable. But they were thriving in spite of the bitter cold and snow piled around them. A sign of profound and everlasting hope that is God's gift to us even in the winter exeriences of our lives.

As I have reflected, what came to mind was a Christmas carol I enjoy:

In the bleak mid winter, frosty wind made moan,

earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

snow was falling snow on snow, snow on snow,

in the bleak mid winter, long ago.

Whether winter is your favorite time of year or not, take a walk; open your eyes and ears; you'll be amazed at the glorious beauty God has ready for you to enjoy and experience!!