The Blanket of Comforting Silence.
We took another drive up into the mountains this weekend, to get away and recharge our batteries. Although it’s only about 2.5 hours, the journey is long enough to help me release some of the stresses and concerns of my day to day life, and find peace and solace in the eternal hills. This weekend was especially relaxing because of one newelement.
Snow.
Driving through the forested canyon that leads into the mountains, we were treated to a spectacular view of snow flocked pine trees, rivers of ice and flow, and a mist that hung in the air bathing everything in a spectral light that danced in the sun.
The peace was palpable, and for a while we felt like we had trespassed into a wonderland that held its secrets, but would allow us to spend a few moments basking in its glory.
And then we broke out into the valley. This is my moment on the drive, where the trees abruptly end, and the fields suddenly take over. And there they were, acres and acres of untouched snow, where it seemed no man nor beast had dared traverse.
An undisturbed beauty, stretching out into the eternal hills of rock and ice, where nature seems to end and time begins.
And it was beautiful beyond measure.
As we drove, there was a calming resonating peace in our car. My wife and I said very little, trying not to disturb that moment of beauty and grace. Although we have made this drive many times, for some reason the majesty and splendor of the valley covered in snow was transformed into a timeless moment, where peace and stillness reigned over all the earth, and nature herself had welcomed us into her home.
And the snow was as a blanket of comforting silence.
As the miles rushed by, and we eventually reached our destination, we acknowledged to each other how blessed we were to have experienced that moment together.
We spoke less this drive, yet the silence was not uncomfortable or unwelcome. We basked in the presence of each other, and were quiet in reverence of all that we could see before us.
We were grateful for the snow, the springtime moisture it will become, and the closeness of the mountains that call us home.
In this season of snow, where nature rests from her labors and the very earth stills and calms, I hope that you can find time to rest, regenerate and reflect. May you grow in wisdom and heal from your wounds in a place of stillness, wherever that may be for you.
And may you share your peace with others.
— Dr. Alan Barnes
@maddrbmusings