Showing posts with label ice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ice. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Frozen in Action

Like a movie stopped in the middle of an action scene, this droplet of melting snow froze as the temperature dropped. The action it tried to complete must wait for a warmer day. Meanwhile, we are privileged to see the beauty of the intricate parts within the droplet. Air bubbles, perfectly formed spheres, and cylinder shaped objects float in a miniature world. Reflected shadows and streaming light create an environment of soft curves. Even the stick adds a bit of mystery to this tiny world.

Yet, there is something about this frozen droplet that we can relate to. Sometimes our actions or our plans come to a halt. Sometimes we are placed on hold and must wait. And in our waiting, we can ask ourselves if we exhibit the beauty of Christ within us, so those around us can delight in what they see.

Lord Jesus, too often we become impatient when we have to wait. We get upset when our plans are put on hold. We get irritated when we can't finish what we started. Forgive us. Help us to become aware of the opportunities that "waiting" presents. Help us to use these moments to turn our thoughts to You and offer simple prayers, words of thanksgiving, or songs of praise.

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Amazing Ice Encrusted Leaf

Curled up like a cocoon, the ice-covered leaf hangs from its branch like a piece of art. Various shades of brown fill the cells that are held together by a web of tiny, straight-lined veins. The dryness of the old leaf and its sharp lines contrast the smoothness and moisture of the ice that encompasses it. The icicle suspended at the bottom of the leaf reaches out like hungry tongue. This frozen droplet also contains many miniature water droplets, giving it a crystal-like appearance.

Why is this leaf so hungry-looking? Is there something that lies within? Is there unseen beauty waiting to emerge from its protective covering? Or is the leaf looking for more to life?

There is always more to life than what we see. There is also great beauty that lies within each of us that is hungering to come out. But too often, we only see the dryness of our own lives. We may think the best years have past us, or we wrap our hopes around the things that are close at hand. But the best is yet to come. For these are the days the Lord is speaking life to the dry bones. He is calling His people to rise up and come forth. Jesus Christ is bringing out the beauty from deep within. And all who want to be part of this adventure are welcome.

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