Surely, nothing fits the image of Quiet Waters as well as freshly fallen snow.
Once again, snow is quilting our countryside in soft, peaceful white.
It has been falling to earth in gentle, quiet flakes, unmoved by wind, lacing every tree, fencepost and hillside.
As I gaze across the horizon I'm moved by the purity of the scene.
Purity, now there's a wonderful word rarely heard today... other than in reference to laundry detergent and air quality!
Yet, purity also reflects the most nobel of human intentions and attitudes.
Purity of our thoughts and purity of our intentions are free of the pollution caused by hate, unkindness and fearfulness.
Thomas Kempis expressed the value of purity in poetic words when he wrote,
"Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary things."
Jesus wisely said,
"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God".
Why is it then, that we find it so hard, in modern times, to strive for purity of thoughts, words and actions?
Is it because we are surrounded day in, day out by so much of the opposite?
Let's look on this snow, not as a frustration, but as a reminder to examin our lives for examples of purity. Perhaps we can free ourselves from some of the qualities that, in fact, take away our joy and self respect.
