Nature Laminated, Mind Illuminated

I look outside, and immediately am tempted to walk outside.  It's quiet, almost too quiet, where it's like everyone in the world but me has disappeared.  As I explore this deserted wonderland, I see a long, winding path before me.  A chilling breeze blows across my face, and I am reminded of the loneliness that we face when we rely on ourselves, and not God.

I carefully tread forward, as the ground has been turned into a brick-colored skating rink, with no handlebars or walkers to help guide you.  I slip and fall from a section of hidden ice, and when I climb back upright, I see a row of trees, standing together, united in their foundation of the Earth.  The trees are deeply rooted, bound to their support Rock individually, but empowered together, all frozen physically and seemingly in time.

The tree branches are completely covered with a not-so-thin layer of ice, as if someone came across the world with a giant laminator, and has sheet-protected the entire outside world.  As I stand there, now mystified by the delicate nature of each individual tree branch, leaf, and berry, I cannot help but notice the beauty and attention to detail.  A feeling of happiness mixed in with a touch of awe overwhelms my mind, as only the Lord Himself could have created something this beautiful, and in such a short period of time.

As I continue my trek, taking in the frozen sights, a cell phone chime echoes.  As I pull the phone out of my pocket, a warm, familiar face greets me while I look down at the screen and press Answer.  I can't help but smile as I pull the phone closer to my ear.

I guess I wasn't so lonely after all.