All God’s Creatures

The tiny mouse paid scant heed to the snow
and cold when I parked in the street.
Out of nowhere, it scurried faster than I
down the street in the early morning
darkness. Where did it shelter? Under
a snowdrift? Just as I, it minded its own
business.

Meanwhile its fat neighbor with the bushy
tail sought refuge under the neighbor’s
covered grill. Maneuvering through our
garden and yard, the squirrel sought edibles
after polishing off the pumpkin remnants.
High overhead on the wires, two huge black
crows took in the sights below.

It never ceases to amaze how all these
creatures in search of sustenance, manage
to find what they need. In every nook and cranny,
they find shelter, comfort and tasty morsels.
To this keen observer of nature’s creatures in our
neck of the woods, I marvel at all God’s miracles. In
this Advent season, may we offer prayers and kindness.

According to rumor, a tiny mouse managed to chew into
the pipe organ In Oberndorf, Austria. Pastor Josef Mohr
wrote the poem Silent Night and the church organist, Franz
Gruber composed the music. In 1818 on Christmas eve,
the congregation sang the music played on the guitar.
Stille Nacht is still performed today and evokes memories
of St. Nicholas Church in Austria.