My uncle nicknamed me Snowball when I was a toddler. And I've always loved snow, and miss its beauty and wonder in Florida.
Years ago, I discovered a wonderful book about snow written in the 1970's. Snowflake Bentley, Man of Science, Man of God. Wilson Bentley lived in Vermont from 1865-1931. From early boyhood he dedicated his life to follow a calling to capture and record the beauty and precision of snowflakes. He left a lasting legacy of 5,800 amazing photographs of snowflakes revealing how nature adorns herself in jewels of frost. Tiffany's and other artisans have patterned jewelry and art from Snowflake Bentley's exquisite collection.Bentley was a photographer, musician and farmer, multi-talented, he wrote scientific papers for the Weather Bureau, and traveled the world, to lecture and share his beautiful photos.
He learned something interesting in his scientific studies. No two snowflakes were ever alike. "Each snowflake is as different from its fellow as we human beings are from our fellows." Bentley told his mother one evening.
"But the comparison changes there. For each snowflake, if allowed freedom to develop alone, is perfect according to its individual plan. It is one of nature's miracles."
Another interesting fact... to be
perfectly symmetrical, snowflakes must be outside the range of influence
of other snowflakes. When two snowflakes strive equally to occupy the
same place at the same time, neither can have it, and both will be
imperfect. Something to think about...
Snowflakes do not bloom into full beauty at once. They grow, beginning with a tiny nucleus, and developing around this nucleus a geometrical pattern of amazing regularity. They grow in changing habits. "The finest snowflakes were not the largest." Another good reminder on being patient with our own blossoming, and remember bigger isn't always the best.
With the winter snow storms blanketing many states, it's a wonderful time to be still and reflect on God's beauty in nature.
I miss the powdery white snow... but something amusing happened the other day. A perfectly round flat rock was face down in the street as I walked toward the lake. I felt an angel nudge to pick it up. When I turned the smooth gray stone over--what a surprise! A happy snowman smiled at me, painted by a child.
"Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?" Job 38:22
Remember you are not alone. Angels walk with you. And, the best is yet to be.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Ref. Snowflake Bentley, Man of science, Man of God by Gloria May Stoddard, The New England Press, Shelburne, VT. 1979
