Icy Tranquility and Wonder – Jan. 22, 2022

We woke up to an expected winter wonderland as a rare ice storm enveloped the lowcountry. Walking in Wonder was cancelled, but our community of walkers shared images and reflections inspired by this day of wonder, peace and joy!

“First Snow,” Mary Oliver

The snow
began here
this morning and all day
continued, its white
rhetoric everywhere
calling us back to why, how,
whence such beauty and what
the meaning; such
an oracular fever! flowing
past windows, an energy it seemed
would never ebb, never settle
less than lovely! and only now,
deep into night,
it has finally ended.
The silence
is immense,
and the heavens still hold
a million candles; nowhere
the familiar things:
stars, the moon,
the darkness we expect
and nightly turn from. Trees
glitter like castles
of ribbons, the broad fields
smolder with light, a passing
creekbed lies
heaped with shining hills;
and though the questions
that have assailed us all day
remain – not a single
answer has been found –
walking out now
into the silence and the light
under the trees,
and through the fields,
feels like one.

Poem chosen by Nancy L.

A lacy skirt of ice made me smile as I warmed my hands around my teacup.

Photo and reflection by Bonnie L.

It was unfortunate that WiW was canceled for today, however the storm beat us, and safety first! I have taken this pause, and have decided to sit in the sun room that is about ten feet from our bird feeders and watch the activity, peer at the ice and just look out into the frozen world. The birds have food, I went out and made sure they had an ” unfrozen entree” of seeds and suet to eat. They are coming, slowly as they discover the bonanza. As I watch them and enjoy this pause, with books nearby, hot coffee, and my favorite worn out sweatshirt, I look out and watch this new beginning. The unfolding, the small renewal as the ice drips in the attempt to free the trees, bushes and plants. I think of the spiritual journey I am on, this journey that my wife and I share. This journey is like the unthawing of the ice, slowly, with deliberate drips. The drips of water as the leaves become free and can again bask in the sunshine, sprout new beginnings, and absorb nutrients. I too, as I become renewed and more knowledgeable, feel as if my spiritual education is my de-icing. Small beginnings in this quest, this journey to understand, and grasp the bigger picture that is out there. I took a photo recently that I will share of this tiny pine tree growing out of a hole in a live oak. I took it because it reminds me of myself. A small pine protected and cherished by this wonderful live oak. Like how God loves us, protects us, nurtures us, and encourages us in this journey of growth. I think of the times I was angry, before I came to understand He is always at our side. We, as humans in a fast paced world, especially in our society, want instant gratification. Yet, there are those slow drips of water, slowly but surely uncovering the trees as the ice dissipates. Revealing, that yes, indeed, we will flourish, and God is with us every single step of the way. My wife and I feel so blessed, being able to finally live here full time since her retirement, to share this beautiful place, to discover our mutual journey of spiritual growth, to have a church to call home. I am so grateful for her, my life, God and his incredible patience with me, and countless other things I consider blessings. So as the birds continue to come, I will enjoy this day no matter what it brings, because the ice is dripping!