Words & Whispers

I awake in the morning and peek outside. A blanket of snow covers the landscape. Bush, tree and grass topped with white sparkling frosting, glistening in the morning light. I don extra layers and double socks to tromp out in the snow. Circling the yard, I admire holly berries frocked with ice crystals, behold evergreen branches blanketed with snow, and peek at the birds flocking to the bird feeder. Around the corner, more beautiful scenes of green draped in white: puffs of snow atop dried hydrangea blooms, icy coatings on thin, bare branches of the star magnolia and sparkling snow on leathery green magnolia leaves. The clouds part, revealing a brilliant yellow glowing orb through the tree line. A Carolina Wren, perched on a crepe myrtle branch, calls out his unique whistle in the clear crisp air. The beauty of the morning, the sights and sounds resonate in my spirit. Your beauty, like Your mercy, is new every morning. My senses are alive and my spirit offers a silent prayer of thankfulness. The snow is a reminder that Your forgiveness wipes away my sin, that Your love covers all, and that Your holiness is matchless. I praise You, Lord, for the beauty of the earth, Your glory in it and the joy You offer through it.