Musings of a Snowflake

I needed a reminder of God's presence in the world around me today, and my mind drifted to photographs I saw years ago by then amateur photographer Alexey Kljatov* - extreme closeup macro photography of individual snowflakes:

photos: Alexey Kljatov

Snowflakes.  Their name has been a bit maligned in recent years, but can anyone doubt the incredible wonder that is a snowflake?  The intricacy of its design, the fleeting nature of its existence - each one so distinct we could spend hours getting to know its features, yet so fragile it could melt in an instant.  A better metaphor for human life is hard to find.

These photographs remind me of my favorite section of the psalms:

 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.  They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.  Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." (Psalm 19:1-4)

We don't need a Bible, a preacher, a theology degree, or a Westernized language to see the glory of God.  Nature takes care of showing it to us all freely.

photos: Alexey Kljatov

Interestingly, a snowflake's power comes not from its captivating uniqueness, individuality, or fragility.  Those traits are impressive.  Breathtaking even.  They are what draw us in to the creativity and artistry of the one who's created them.  However, a snowflake's power comes in the magnitude of community - each of these tiny flakes joining with billions more, to form a snowfall that covers the entirety of a city.  Their fragility turned to undeniable might as they topple in unison, forming an avalanche.  Individually designed flakes functioning in community together is a phenomenon to be feared for sure, awe-inspiring and imposing and beyond the scope of what can be imagined when looking at a single flake.  A better metaphor for humanity may also be hard to find.

photos: Alexey Kljatov

It's a compelling parallel to consider, between snowflake and human life; snowfall and humanity.  We must acknowledge the immense range of possibility and collective impact which opens up when snowflakes, or people, join together in community.  At the same time, seeing only the magnitude of a tower of snow is not sufficient - we must look closer, at the distinct traits and highly detailed differences of the individuals, in order to fully appreciate the nature of a snowflake, and humankind.  Without either aspect, our understanding is incomplete.  But we can see God in both.

I personally bend toward the individualistic approach to life.  It's easy for me to see and value the personal characteristics which make someone unlike anyone else, and to find the beauty and brilliance of God there.  Perhaps this week I'll take some time to reflect on avalanches, and challenge my perspective on community.  But for today, I'm content to marvel at the macro photography level - to see God's nature in the unexpected intricacy of a single speck of snow.

"You formed my inward parts, You knitted me together ... I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)

*[Click here to read the artist's own words describing his fascinating photography process in depth, and to see more amazing photos of the snowflakes he shoots.]