January 25, 2013 Photo of the day: "Sand dollar"

I love seashells, especially sand dollars.

I love their juxtaposition of simplicity and intricacy.

If you look carefully, many patterns are revealed.

When I returned from a trip to Florida in 7th grade

with several of these flattened sea urchins,

one of the Sisters who taught at my school

told me about the legend of the sand dollar.

"There's a pretty little legend

that I would like to tell

of the birth and death of Jesus

found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,

you'll see that you'll find here

four nail holes and a fifth one

made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,

its center is the star

that appeared unto the shepherds

to lead them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia

etched on the other side

reminds us of His birthday,

our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open

and here you will release

the five white doves awaiting

to spread good will and peace.

This simple little symbol

God left for you and me

to help us spread his message

through all eternity."

Apparently, there are several versions of this legend.

I love that profound beauty and meaning

can be found in the simplest of nature's creatures.

I also like dreaming of a beach vacation

during this bitterly cold weekend in Wisconsin!