For one of his most stunning and delicate works of art, The Supreme Craftsman begins with the most innocuous of materials: dust and water.
His factory/workshop for these masterpieces is the upper atmosphere of Planet Earth where he sets into motion a miracle of formation and intricate design.
God endowed water vapor with the ability to cling, even to the tiniest of dust particles floating high into the atmosphere. And when the temperature drops below freezing, those wet, clinging molecules turn into ice crystals. Very quickly they form a hexagon shape, no more than .008 or .009 of an inch in diameter, and a snowflake is born.
Vapor continues to bond to the hexagons in different ways as temperature, wind velocity, and density of moisture vary—even within the same cloud.
Some snowflakes maintain a hexagon shape.
(Photo by Wilson Bentley)
Others develop arms, and from the arms grow lacy patterns or feathery extensions.
As the snowflake tumbles downward from the clouds, vapor continues to cling and ice crystals continue to form—up to 1,000 microscopic crystals, each impacted by differing conditions. One outcome is certain: the greater the humidity, the more complex the pattern.
Another photo by Wilson Bentley, 1890)
Is it true what they say, that no two snowflakes are alike? Most meteorologists say yes, because the dust particles themselves come from countless different sources–from sand, soil, and volcanic ash to decayed plant and animal material.
Add to that the wide-ranging variations of weather conditions mentioned above, and it becomes apparent: an infinite combination of factors contributes to the infinite number of patterns.
But God isn’t finished yet.
The awe factor is increased as tiny snowflakes begin to gather:
- in graceful drifts,
- on every branch of the trees,
- and in sparkling swaths across the landscape.
And a few lessons present themselves as well:
- If God cares about the formation of snowflakes, he surely cares about the formation of his children.
A practically minded person would take one look inside God’s snowflake-factory and shake his head. “Why bother with all these designs?” he might ask. “Such a waste when they’re just going to turn to slush and eventually evaporate!”
But our God is a true Artist at heart, paying attention to details and creating beauty where it isn’t even necessary.
How much more must he desire to create the beauty of his holiness within our spirits?
- By itself, one snowflake is a fragile entity. But think what an avalanche or glacier can do.
By himself, one person can accomplish little. But think what happens when human effort is multiplied.
We weren’t created for isolation; God intends for us to live in community with other believers. Together we can achieve great good. Groups of Christians have generously brought aid to those in need, built schools, hospitals, and orphanages, even accomplished the abolition of slavery—to name a few examples.
There is strength in numbers, whether it’s snowflakes or God’s people.
- The miracle of snow occurs in silence; the miraculous power of God works silently, too.
Hours before we catch snowflakes on our gloves, the Supreme Craftsman sets the conditions and engineers the circumstances for their creation. Silently the snow comes, and finally we hold in our hands a breath-taking miracle of dust and ice crystals.
Similarly, long before we take note of an answered prayer or unbidden blessing, The Supreme Craftsman sets the conditions and engineers the circumstances for their fulfillment.
Silently he comes. And suddenly we hold in our hands a breath-taking miracle of his power and love.
* * * * * * * * * *
Maker of Miracles, just as your universe is full of wonder, so are our lives. We can’t begin to recount all the awesome works you have performed for our benefit. All we can do is sing for joy at the work of your hands!
(Psalm 40:5, 66:5, 92:4)
(Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr (James P. Mann); http://www.wikimedia.com (2); http://www.pixabay.com (Natalia Kollegova); http://www.pixnio.com; http://www.flickr.com (AMagill); http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.nws.noaa.gov; http://www.paxpixel.freegreatpcitures.com; http://www.flickr.com & Nancy Ruegg.)
Beautifully said…loved the pictures and message!
Thank you, Samuel! Praise God for the snow we’ve received last weekend and the inspiration that came with it! 🙂
Is that your first canva? you did great. I have one of those books full of the close up photos of snowflakes – truly a wonder of God. Loved your artistry with words too.
Yep, that was my first. And it won’t be my last–the process was fun! (Except for getting the finished product uploaded to my blog. THAT was a challenge for me.) Thank you for your encouragement, Jean!
I like your statement of the how miracle occurs in silence. So often we do not recognize God’s hand at work in the darkness of our struggles. How wonderful when we see it all laid out beautifully before us like the beauty of a blanket of snow!
Beautifully said, Tresa!
Really, really lovely, Nancy. Thank you.
Thank YOU, Diana. As I said to Samuel, above: praise God for the snow we received last weekend and the inspiration he brought with it!
good one
Thank you, H H High!
What a lovely post! I learned something new today…canva… The visuals are amazing. More important…the bullet points are wonderful. When things are very quiet it is comforting to know that He is at work in our lives. Thanks for that reminder.
Canva is a website where you can create your own visuals by combining images and text. It’s what I used to make the last image of this post. You’ll see more Canva-made images as time goes on! I agree wholeheartedly with you, Cheri, that there is great comfort in knowing our God is ALWAYS at work in our lives. Hallelujah for that!
Beautiful Nancy. I haven’t seen a snowflake in 44 years, however I have seen God’s creation in the beautiful gulf. Thank you for explaining the snowflakes, I had forgotten about them, the reminder makes me happy. Blessings Laura
Praise God His world is full of wonders, from north to south, east to west. I’m glad you enjoyed this reflection on snow, Laura!