A View

In the dead of winter the leaf barren trees offer what is only a muted view of the horizon beyond the Dan River flowing past the farm. Spring brings forth leaves that obscure the vision of anything beyond the trees upon which they grow. During three of the four annual seasons, it is fair to say, one can see no evidence of an eastern horizon or that of a river flowing below. Simply because one cannot view the horizon during those seasons does not mean that horizon and river do not exist. Even in the midst of winter when leaves have fallen to the ground below the trees the view is still somewhat obscured by limbs, branches, and evergreens. As I ponder this natural phenomenon I realize that the full magnitude of God’s grace and love cannot be viewed because of the nature of the obstructions we place in the way. Time, agendas, habits, ego, grief, joy seeking and self-pity are but a few of the branches and leaves we put on the trees in our vision. As I ponder these hills in the quiet of the morning I recognize the obscurity of my vision and give thanks for this moment in which my view need not be more than that of grace.