Peace and Tranquility
Densely populated areas suffer from light and noise pollution. An interesting map of the United States shows a satellite view at night. Cities are easily identified without borders drawn on the map due to the light show in various spots on the map. Metropolitan areas like New York City and the eastern seacoast are well lit on this nocturnal map. Click on this map link NASA's NIGHTGLOW Mission - Image of the U.S. at Night from Space and you will see many cities that are able to be identified simply by the light footprint that is shown. You will also notice that areas east of the Mississippi River are significantly more lit than places west until you reach California.
Another area that cities bring is noise pollution. I reside within a mile of a railroad hub. The screeching and banging of freight cars continue throughout the day and night. If the wind is
coming from the north the sounds are more intense. One thing that I have noticed while out with Bailey for her evening constitutional is that with all the snow coverage the usual noise of city
life is absorbed and diminished. The snow has brought a blessing of peace and tranquility by covering noise reflective materials.
Noise can certainly be irritating. People need quiet for rest and restoration. God invites us to seek and find our comfort and solace in Him. He knows the importance of rest as the third commandment instructs us to remember the Sabbath Day and to keep it holy. God modeled this to us as He rested on the seventh day following creation.
Winter storm Fern did impact many areas of our lives. Yet through it we have also been blessed in other ways. May we continue to seek the blessings of each day which may at times go unnoticed or taken for granted even in the midst of the storms of life.
