Monday, January 28, 2019

Snow Angel

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face." ~ Proverbs 15:13
There are two kinds of people.  Some wake to the pristine world of virgin snow in all its perfection and rejoice.  They smile as they view it from the warmth of their home, fireplace flames crackling and curling, marshmellowed cocoa in hand.
Others bundle up and race outside to catch snowflakes on their tongues, making fresh prints with boots and sleds making their mark on the cold, blank canvas.  They embrace everything about this kind of weather, the subtle crunch underfoot as they stride forward amid low hanging shafts of sunlight illuminating the sparkling scenes ahead.
Two kinds of people - those who observe and reflect and those who engage and feel.  Some say, those who live life to its fullest … and those with regrets.
Maggie fit the ‘active’ category.  She prided herself on being a spunky senior working way past retirement and redefining the notion of dynamic ageing.  At 91, her vision and hearing were waning, and her gate lacked the grace she’d had in younger years.  That, however, wasn’t going to stop her from having fun.
Elderly people tend to stay indoors, so they don't accidentally slip or develop pneumonia.  But to Maggie there was something about snow that made her young again.  Like a kid who gets to stay home from school on a snow day, this grandma wanted to go outside and play.
And there’s one fun snow sport that anyone can do without risking injury, and there's no learning curve.  So with the help of Eric, her great grandson, Maggie got her wish!
Eric supported her as she lowered herself to the ground.  As he struggled to set her down gently, she awkwardly fell backwards into the snow.  What started as a shriek quickly became a chuckle and eventually uncontrollable laughter!
People think of laughter as a noise that comes from the mouth.  Yet when Maggie laughed it was nothing like that.  The laugh was in her eyes as her face flushed with joy and amusement.
It came from deep within; giggles bursting to the surface like yoga for the synapses.  For Eric, those few moments were better than a whole day of skiing or snowshoeing.  Just the sound of her cackles, snickers, and belly laughs, was enough to transport him from the tensions of modern life.  He pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of her joyful face with glittering wingspread.
As Maggie concentrated on moving her arms and legs, she exclaimed with delight, "I haven't made a snow angel in a very long time!”  Reminding us all that you're never too young to start a snowball fight, go sledding, or lie down and leave an angel shape in the snow.
Almighty Father, You gave us life to be celebrated, enjoyed, and embraced in all its mystery.  Guide us to our inner child.  Draw us to your playground of creation, God of life, so that we will live more fully.  Amen