Finding Grace In Robert Frost

Grace is so built into our environment we often take it for granted. For example: I find a portrait of grace when reading Robert Frost. I am not sure where he was spiritually but his poem “stopping by woods on a snowy day” is a reflection of grace.

"The woods are lovely dark and deep,
but I have promises to keep
and miles to go before I sleep."

As Frost presents this unnamed traveler an observation is made that many other traveler's could have taken for granted. A fresh blanket of snow has covered the evening and beauty is recognized. The horse snorts and shakes the bells, which adorn the harness, and even seems to be puzzled that the traveler would hesitate to move on.

The man steering the wagon looks upon a beauty that, like grace, is not of this world. Also, like grace, it has a drawing effect on him. However, promises and scheduling will not allow him to linger and soak in the moment.

Many of us are so busy we have not stopped to recognize the beauty, which so freely adorns this world. I live in Alaska and have spent many snowy evenings with a cup of coffee looking out from picture windows and seeing large snowflakes falling. Like a child I must walk outside and experience the snow. Once outside I find an absolute total silence awaits me. A silence that is almost eerie. And yet, it is only eerie because I am not used to being still long enough to notice or else, the world has so crowded my thinking I take the silence for granted. Yes when reading Robert Frost I often find a reflection of grace.