1. I think one of the main reasons that people don't like it is that it makes us stop our busy schedules. We have so much going on in our lives that one or two days when we can't get around makes us stir crazy! Why not enjoy the gift of taking a little time out and stopping the hustle and bustle to take a few deep breaths! Unless you are one of the unfortunate who do not have power during such storms, why not enjoy its beauty? Remember when we were kids and we looked forward to the snow days? AAHHH... those were the days. THose days when we appreciated the extra day off from working so hard and got to play! What happens to us as we get older and become consumed with work? I don't think that's God's intention for us!!
2. The cold. I truly understand as I get older how the cold affects the body. I used to play in the snow for hours upon hours, but now, the cold seems to go right through me! But isn't that what fireplaces and hot chocolate are for?? WIthout the cold, we would never appreciate the warm days of summer like we do here in Ohio!!
3. Even as I type this, I'm looking out my front window and I've noticed that our neighbor has brought out his riding lawn mower and attached a snow plow to the front and is going up and down each driveway. What a gift! I wasn't sure how we were going to be able to get through snow with such a thick layer of ice, but he is helping out! How could each of us help our neighbor in such a time as this? Is your neighbor an elderly man or woman and could use a knock on the door to see if they need anything? Or maybe you could do something like our neighbor did! Or maybe even a few cups of hot chocolate delivered to your neighbor... How could you make an impact - especially since you aren't going anywhere! ;)
4. (This one's my favorite) A few weeks ago, as I was waiting for my daughter's bus, snow began to fall upon my black coat. As I looked down on them, I realized just how delicate these tiny flakes are. They were perfect little crystals and my daughter and I could see just how different each one was. However, when you go to touch one, it disappears in the fingers. How delicate - yet how powerful when you put millions upon millions like we are experiencing! It reminds me just how powerful our God is! He can create such beautiful, individual, delicate ice sculptures, but put these together and then you have a force that can stop traffic and mess up our days! That's sheer power!!
As you look out the window today (or tomorrow, or however long it takes to melt away), may you be reminded of these things. Enjoy this snow as a gift, not a curse. That is God's wish for you!
Lord God and Creator,
As we stare out into the white snow,
may we be reminded of You.
Let us remember that you think of us
even when the snow falls.
You think of us and for us as the snow stops life as we know it.
Thank you for such beauty.
Thank you for such a reminder of your power and might.
You are amazing God!
May we use this time off to rest and recover
and hopefully even help our neighbors!
In Jesus name,
AMEN.
Your sister in Christ,
Pastor Heather
I love the way you see things! You challenge me to look beyond the "obvious" and step back and see what lies behind. Keep it coming!!
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