We have been snowed in since Friday when the Blizzard of 2016 made its way into my neighborhood.  Gratefully, though we may have shoveled a whole lot of snow, we didn’t have the horrible winds or lack of power often associated with storms like this.

 It could have been worse.  It almost always can.

So today, I decided to venture past my driveway and into the neighborhood.  I wanted to walk into this area with my eyes wide open and my camera ready and waiting for something to catch my attention.  

A Visio Divina of sorts.

I have been in an odd sort of way of late.  Caught in a cloak of grayness.  My heart has been weary and my soul has been worn.  Life ebbs and flows much like the tides of the ocean I so love to watch.  This particularly ebbing for me has seemed to last a bit longer and go a bit deeper than I want.  I have a few theories why but theories don’t change anything but perspective often does.

Today, I begged for a change in view.  A glimpse of the Divine is what I asked for.  Something of beauty that I could set my heart to ponder. 

I trudged past the numbing cold that wrapped wet around my calves and into my boots.  The untouched snow marked higher than my knees and made my footing unsure.  I kept walking, though.  I desperately needed this.

I needed to know that even in this midst of the gray cloak of weariness He was there.  I needed to see Him.  My mind knows He is and He has always been.  It is my heart that needs reminding. 

Beauty was all around.  Untouched snow that dazzled bright like a million diamonds.  A lone track of duck foot prints marking their way into the lake.  Berries frozen and hanging reminding me that even now the sparrow has food waiting.  I wanted to go further but the aching in my wet legs said no.  I turned around and trudged back home. 

What I saw was beautiful but I still longed for more.  I am always wanting for more but more doesn’t always seem to be.  So I changed from the snow packed boots and the wet, frozen pants and began to settle my heart that what I had seen must have been enough. 

And then, we saw it, commanding its perch and scanning the horizon right here in my backyard.  My prayer was heard and my heart overflowed.

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or whine, Israel saying, “God has lost track of me.  He doesn’t care what happens to me”?  Don’t you know anything?  Haven’t you been listening?  God doesn’t come and go.  God lasts.  He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.  He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.  And he knows everything – inside and out.  He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.  For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall.  But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.  They spread their wings and soar like eagles.  They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. 

Isaiah 40:27-31  The Message

Today, more was found right outside my door perched on a limb and I am grateful – so very grateful.