Look closely at this photograph. Exactly in the center, just to the right of the tree.

See it?

I’m not a smiley-face kind of person, but this one caught me by surprise one snowy morning last week. In the middle of my work on a novel set in 1860 Kansas Territory, I looked out the window and there it was.

Of course it was much bigger in real life and easier to spot. Without even thinking about it I smiled back, as if I’d received a personal message from the One who scattered snow on the earth 150 years ago as well as today.

Sometimes all it takes is a fun little hello from God. I’m as blessed by His tender kindness as much as I am his Red Sea-variety miracles.

I need them both.

Do you see Him in your surroundings, too? Take a moment. Stop and look. He might have a surprise waiting for you.

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
—Psalm 147:16 (NIV)