Ice Therapy
We got quite an ice storm last night. My car was covered with ice when I got ready to go to work this morning. As I drove into town every tree in sight was covered with an icy glaze. Thankfully I thought to grab my camera before leaving the house. Once at work I took some time to photograph the ice on the trees behind the church. Later I stopped at some church members’ home. They are out of town and have asked me to feed their birds while they are away. As I was preparing to perform this task I slipped and took a hard fall. I hit my head on the concrete driveway and lay there stunned for a few moments. When I got up I thought to myself, “I bet I’m sore tomorrow.” Actually I was sore much sooner than that. When I got home I told my wife that my back and shoulders hurt. She suggested that I put ice on them. Having just come in from the frigid cold that did not sound appealing at all. Still, I know that ice therapy is a legitimate aid in healing.
After Bonita mentioned the ice therapy I thought about the images I had taken earlier in the day and how taking the pictures was a form of ice therapy as well. Those of you who are familiar with my photography know that I’ve developed a style of photographing that I call “macro therapy.” I have found that when I use a macro lens with very little depth of field I am able to explore subjects in a new and creative way. This practice soothes my soul and I often feel like I’ve been to therapy once I have finished photographing. The primary subject of my macro therapy has been flowers up to this point. Today that changed as I discovered the same effect and experience could be had photographing the ice with my macro lens. There are no doubt hazards that come with an ice storm but there is also a great deal of beauty—especially when you look close.
Practicing macro therapy has enabled me to see a new world. It has also helped me to see aspects of God’s Creation that I would never see otherwise. As I began to focus on one particular icicle I was amazed to see that it had crystal formations on it. I saw patterns and shapes I would never have dreamed of. I noticed pine and spruce needles embraced by ice and they reminded me of the truth that we are all embraced by the love of God. All of this made me feel good, very good. It truly is amazing what a little ice therapy can do for the soul!
–Chuck