A Moment with Nature

Here in eastern Arkansas, I live in an agricultural area of the country. My daily drive to work begins on a stretch of road that is honestly nothing more than a connector running through the middle of this fertile soil. Right now there is very little activity in the fields; everything is barren and brown. I am not a country boy by any stretch of the imagination, but I do prefer the sights of the spring and summer over the ugliness of the winter months here.

That's why a field of white caught my eye as I drove home from teaching a morning class earlier this week. I found myself looking over this enormous section of white, trying to figure out what in the world was out there. It looked a bit like cotton, but even I know that's not possible at the moment.  As I got closer, I slowed the car to have a closer look.

Once I rolled down the window of the car, I knew exactly what I was looking at. The noise gave it away. This field was filled with honking geese! They truly were everywhere! This particular field is probably 1.5 to 2 acres in size (based on my non-agricultural knowledge) and was FILLED with our fine-feathered friends! 

I found myself doing something unusual for me. I sat on the side of the road for several minutes just to listen and watch. I was intrigued by the animals that I don't see on a regular basis. I was thrilled by their beauty and was filled with hope that life and Spring will return to the land before too long. I noticed my attitude improved as I sat and listened to their voices filling the air with humor and joy. 

I wish I had a camera in the car with me; instead, I had to rely on my phone to capture the image. I'm just thankful that on a cold winter morning, I had the opportunity to stop and observe the sights and sounds of nature while remembering that the darkness of winter would soon come to end.

The Joy of Snow

Once again, there is snow on the ground.  This is the 2nd time in two weeks.  Classes were cancelled this evening at MSCC and we are awaiting a decision regarding tomorrow's sessions.  It appears that there are 2-3 inches on the ground here, but in many ways this week's snow is much more picturesque than the heavy accumulation of last week.  I fought the cold this afternoon for a few minutes and BRIEFLY took some snapshots from my front porch of neighboring homes.

What can I say?  Even though I despise cold temperatures, I simply love the look of winter snow.  I adore how what is dead and somewhat hopeless in nature is given a freshness by the purity of the snow.  I'm not going to get philosophical tonight about things.  I just want to enjoy the beauty that God blessed me with tonight....while I attempt to stay warm and toasty!