Our winter landscapes have disappeared in Iowa. Although it is still early in March, the weather has been so mild that the tulips and daffodils are up a couple of inches. The trees are beginning to bud. If we get more winter it may be hard on the plants and trees. Maybe we won't have more snow. Wouldn't that be nice?
When we drove to Arkansas in late January, there were still remnants of the only snow we had this winter. I love looking at the scenery while we drive. (I'm not behind the wheel.) Iowa's timbers were so beautiful. With the snow covered ground, each tree stands out individually. I'm always watching for deer or turkey. Occasionally I am delighted by a sighting. I dream of walking through the woods, looking for tracks: rabbits, raccoons, deer, turkey, fox or coyote. The ditches still held drifts of snow, molded like waves in the ocean.
"For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies, Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise. For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree, and flow'r Sun and moon and stars of light, Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise." ("For the Beauty of the Earth" by Conrad Kocher, 1838, Arr. by William H. Monk, 1861, Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864).
"Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows," (James 1:17 NIV).
Lord, open our eyes to Your beauty today. Remind us of Your love and Your light. Bless us with Your mercy and grace as we walk in the steps of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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