Tuesday, December 18, 2007

My dearest God,

The scintillating winter landscape called to me as I looked out the window. Fog and lower temperatures had caused ice crystals to form on tree branches. I couldn't stop gazing at the beauty before me. So I grabbed the camera and stepped outside. I snapped shots of the ice-covered limbs, snow hanging on pines, icicles, a wintry scene that captured my imagination.

I've taken a lot of pictures recently, trying to catch on film the magic of winter. I hope to do something with them in a couple of years. I want to add Christmas cards to my Contemplative Collections, my teeny card company. I want to combine the magical photos with contemplative sayings.

While driving to work one scene after another caught my eye and I wanted to stop, take another picture. But there was not enough room to pull over. So I took in the amazing beauty, etching the image in my memory.

I know that my interest in photography arises out of my desire to capture God in the moment. The wonders of nature bespeak the glory of the Lord and I want to display it with words that draw people to you. A simple picture, a few sacred words together can soften a heart, comfort the grieving, give hope to the lost, bring peace to the fearful, and offer joy to those who need to celebrate. It makes a difference, if only for a moment.

I wander this earth looking for you...in a desert, a garden, at a worship service, in a landscape, a funeral home, a hospital, an airport, a school, in my home. I know you are present. There is no doubt in my mind. Discovering you in out-of-the-way places delights me so. Makes me breathe breath prayers to you. Causes me to hold mini celebrations all day long.

The winter weather is yet another sign of your existence. Another season crying out the presence of the Living God.

Holy One,
my wanderings
always lead me
to you.
I stand fixed,
gazing at the
majesty of your appearance.
What can I say?

Loving you always, Andrea