![]() |
Snowflake Melts on a Branch |
I learn something astounding about snowflakes today: the more hostile the environment, the more intricate the snowflake’s shape. The bitter cold and wind encourage sharp tips and branching designs while warmer temperatures produce slow-growing, smooth, and simple patterns.
I’d rather have complex, sophisticated, and beautiful. I’d rather have unexpected and perplexing than smooth and simple.
I stand in my backyard as the storm swirls about me. I think of what it takes to make such beauty.
![]() |
Snowflake on a Thorn |
It’s not easy; it’s not warm and smooth. What’s harsh in our environment right now shapes beautiful things in us. That kind of beauty–born from trial and thorn–truly astounds.
__________________________________
I included a new feature at Live with Flair! You can journal along with me on your own (and share your wisdom in the comments if you wish) every day. I’ll include a reflection question that I’m thinking about along with each post.
Journal Question: Is it really true that sorrow or hardship “shapes beautiful things in us?”