Article January 7, 2013 Issue

More than meets the eye

Nancy Bowman

Through the window in my study I have a superb view of my backyard and beyond. My mornings are spent there as I prepare for my day with prayer and study.

Now in the midst of gray northern winter days, I recall one lovely morning last spring when I became aware of a dramatic change in the view from my window. Where there had been only a skeletal framework of trunks and bare branches, beds of dry leaves, and leftover stalks from last year’s gardens, there was now a lush green bower with an infinite variety of blooms.

What had appeared to be bleak dormancy, was simply a canvas awaiting its artist. Before my eyes was a masterpiece of beauty, harmony, and tranquillity, and I thought of the joy and peace expressed in one of my favorite Bible passages: “The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).