We were part way up Mt Wellington Tasmania. Lots of snow around. Locals and visitors just had to play in fresh snow. I was one of them. One image stands out from all others.
Panoramic images of snow fields are worth remembering. But my favourite is a snowflake. I stood under a snow-laden tree, wondering just how long before branches broke under their weight of snow. Then a single snowflake floated onto my finger. I didn't see it come down nor feel it land. I happened to look at my hand and there it was - no bigger than my thumb nail. An exquisite miniature snowflake. There are folk who see snow so often it may not be such a big deal to them. But it was for me. I was captured by its tiny size, extraordinary design (as much as I could make out) and all but weightless. My gift for the day.
Not for a minute do I think my tiny snowflake was a fluke or coincidence, although I understand some may think so. I've lived long enough to recognise a very personal blessing where God of creation decided, "Here you go, this one's for you." The moment was not lost on me. In the middle of either good or really difficult times, He is very creative with reminders of His encouraging presence that often arrives very, very quietly. I won't forget my moment in snow.