“He set the earth’s boundaries, the cold winter snow and the warm summer sun." ~ Psalm 74:17
Last night the world came alive, a new white-page with a
promising sun. Front lawns and streets were covered with snow. Not just a
dusting, but a royal layer blanketing everything. Delicate white crystals
came as a promise and an inviting hand.
The cold seeped through the window. Ellen donned her
flannel robe and gazed outside. Pure magic: neighboring lawns were
undiscernible from her own, the white carpet linked gardens and porches like a
Kinkaid painting.
Sometimes we want the
vivid hues, the brilliance of floral blooms. Other times we seek the sanctuary
of earthen browns and the flicker of fireside flames. Today she felt her soul
breathe and ready itself for new beginnings.
Ellen walked down the
hallway to her sister, Ava, visiting from Texas over the Christmas break. She
gently nudged the dozing six-year-old who’d never experienced snow before.
“Wake up!” she pleaded.
“Look outside, your prayers were answered.”
Her kid sister glanced
out the window, screaming with delight as her world became a fresh new page
awaiting playful feet and mittened hands.
The exuberant child
couldn’t wait for a hug before leaping off the bed and racing to find the ski
outfit Ellen had purchased. They raced out the door and dropped to their knees
in the fresh snow. There’s something intoxicating about an excited child. Ellen
whispered, “Thank You Lord!”
They made a small snowman
in the front yard. You’d have thought she was opening her favorite presents on
Christmas morning!
They placed one of
Ellen’s hats on it and called it a snowgirl. It seemed to grin, warming those
who braved the cold. In Ellen’s imagination, the snowgirl magically grew a
beating heart.
They lay on their
backs in front lawn and waved their hands, making two snow angels before playfully
tossing snowballs at each other. Sledding would have to wait until after
breakfast.
They played outside
until their hands were wet and cold. Before going back inside, Ellen filled her
lungs with the cold, damp air and praised God for the little things that make
us happy. Ava grabbed a handful of snow to put in the freezer – just in case it
all melted too soon.
When I see fresh
powder, it reminds me of the purifying power of the cross, the glory of Christ.
Perhaps God’s purpose
for snow is to slow us down so we can simply rest in His amazing gifts.
Especially in the case of a snowy days, when school, work, and other events are
canceled, God uses snow to help us enjoy the accumulation of grace that He’s protected
us beneath.
