Susie-Q&A

• Feb. 6, 2007 - For the Beauty of the Earth

I cannot begin to describe the beauty of the snowfall taking place outside right now. I went outside to perform the prosaic task of taking the garbage and recycling to the curb, and stood there and gazed in absolute wonder.

A snowfall is one of the most visible forms of peacefulness known to earth.

Each snow crystal is quite large and exquisitely formed. I stood for a long while, collecting them on my sleeves so I could examine them in the light of the garage. They are breathtaking! I ran inside and found a microscope slide, covered it with the crystals and set it in the cold garage in the hope that they will evaporate and leave their beautiful "ghosts" behind for the children to view later. Finally, I went reluctantly indoors. I confess I was whispering grateful prayers and shedding a few tears.

They fall from the sky in such abundance, each one unique, each a tiny gift. I wish I could take a picture that would do justice to the glittering snowflakes that are covering the ground right now.

It almost seems a waste of heaven's bounty, to pour out such perfect jewels, when they are so impermanent. No human eye will ever see the vast majority of them. And even if it were possible to see and appreciate each little treasure for the work of art it is, far too few observers would acknowledge and praise its source. Our heavenly Father is such a spendthrift.

"Through this glass, we dimly see,
This world as it was made,
Oh, and the good we know,
Must surely flow,
From the heart of a kind Creator."

--Mark Heard

For each perfect gift of Thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.