"The best way to know God is to love many things."

On buffaloes, shattered souls, and the transcendence of snow

“The best way to know God is to love many things.” — Vincent van Gogh

While out hiking last winter, I saw a buffalo. I stood by it in a field blanketed with snow. I captured it in a photo, lounging on the frozen grass, with the mountains and a naked cottonwood tree in the background. It was a moment brimming with wonder, yet I passed by it barely noticin…