February 9, 2009

Mid-Winter Glory

I’ve heard it said that God uses the splendor of nature to bring healing to a hurting world. Its beauty breaks through our pain and our brokenness, giving our soul comfort and connection with something far greater. Since the beginning of time, man has gazed upon creation and known, “I am not alone.” As Paul told the Romans, God has made his presence clear. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (1:20)

Certainly there exist places that have received their portion of beauty in greater measure—like the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps or the entire island of Maui (all of which I’ve seen). We may travel to and yearn for glimpses that inspire, but most of us live among scenery far more ordinary and much less breathtaking. While the “eternal power and divine nature” of God may not barrage our senses every time we venture outside, it’s there nonetheless. Sometimes, we just have to look a little harder.

No matter what struggles hinder us, what oppression crushes us, what brokenness shatters us, God continually reveals Himself in the everyday—through the shooting stars that streak across the night sky; the sun’s rays as they visibly split through distant clouds; the purple-pink radiance lavishly painted by the setting sun; tender buds emerging from long dormant branches; waves crashing onto the shore; birds chirping their pronouncement of spring. I could go on and on. Certainly you could as well. Pause to think of the little reminders you’ve encountered even in the past few days.

For me, I recall the snow. Last Tuesday the snow started in the morning. The weathermen forecast an inch or so, basically a non-event—good news for some, a major disappointment to my snow-loving, still-waiting-for-a-BIG-snowstorm self. But throughout the day flakes continued to gently fall, gradually accumulating on the ground. As I worked at my computer, I delighted at the picture-perfect scene developing outside my window. When the kids got home from school, they quickly traded backpacks and lunchboxes for snow pants and boots.

The next morning we awoke to find our world covered in a blanket of fluffy, white flakes. My winter wish was granted (and with a delayed school opening, so had the kids'.) Whether you find snow a major inconvenience or a glorious gift, one simply has to soak in such a scene to marvel at its splendor and feel the embrace of the Almighty.

To all of you, especially my warm-weather friends in places like Florida or the desert, I want to share my winter gift with you.



The snow gathers.
Gradually building.
Awakening us to a world that invigorates, celebrates and glorifies.
Transforming the overlooked into the overwhelming.
.
.
.

.

.
. .

But this weekend brought temps in the fifties.
As quickly as it came, the snow melted into a fond memory.
Leaving behind scattered reminders.
.

.
Today I will look for new evidence.
Lord, where will we find you?

Note: This week marks my one year anniversary as a blogger. Stop back this week for my mini-celebration that will include a giveaway or two!

13 comments:

Kelly said...

We haven't had a snow like that in YEARS here in Virginia, and that would close our schools for days. We don't have the snow removal equipment to get the roads cleared.

I miss snow. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you!

And so glad God hears all prayers and answers them.

Kathleen said...

Ooooo! I love the snow-laden trees.

Here in Arizona we've had a bit of rain, though temps are rising. I even wore sandals last week!

Nature has long been a summons to worship for me. The smell of morning (that earthy, dampness), or the quiet of eventide conspire to bring tears some days. It's grand and glorious in its simplicity!

Thanks for reminding me to close my eyes and thank Him again for His amazing creation.

Kathleen

Runner Mom said...

I love the snow pictures! Thanks so much for sharing them!! They remind me of the quietness in nature.

The leftover snowman clothes picture was precious! Enjoy those warmer temps! I am!

Love you!
Susan

PS Are you going to She Speaks this year?

Carol said...

Hi Kelli,

What great pictures, and an awesome reminder that God's beauty isn't just in the grand displays, but in the creation around us that we see everyday.

Thanks for your comments on my blog. Yes I am with you I think it's amazing how God has brought so many of his children together through our little section of the blogsphere. I've been greatly blessed by the friendships I've made through bloggin.

Hey I know you mentioned doing a bible study with Fireproof, are you using the Fireproof kit they have out for a couples group? Just wondering.

Love,
Carol

JerryLyn said...

Kelli, Love the post as I am so awake lately to finding God in nature. I celebrate with you that you've been blogging a year. In the short time I've known you, God has blessed me through your heart brought to life by your words. Jerry

Dan said...

Great snowstorm, indeed! And then this morning I went out bright and early before the garbageman came and picked up a yardfull of flash-frozen dog poop. Kinda took the romance out of it.

Cheryl Barker said...

Love your pics, Kelli. We've had some snow this year but not a big snowfall yet.

And you're right -- even in our very ordinary surroundings, we can see the glory of God. The other morning, I looked out my bedroom window and saw a pair of cardinals, a pair of bluejays, and several robins all hopping and flying around our yard at once. I love those little surprises from God!

Congrats on your blogiversary!

Laura said...

Your blanket of white was beautiful. I was sad to see ours go. It happened so fast, it seemed. But now the sun and warm temps have taken over my heart and I find myself hoping the white stuff is behind us.

Seasons, seasons...always seasons.

Julie said...

Beautiful post, loved it.

Thank you for sharing your heart. I am so blessed to see He came and gave you the delight of snow.

Thank you for your visit to my blog and your sweet words. You have blessed me today....

No, dear friend, you are not alone.. I understand the battle...

Stonefox said...

Beautiful, Kelli. What an awesome reminder that God is always speaking and revealing Himself.

Sue J. said...

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's snow....(sigh!)

Absolutely gorgeous! You know, even for a day....what a beautiful reminder of the splendor of glistening white brilliance! Heaven to be even brighter than that!!

Your snow angel is adorable, too!

Thanks for sharing....

Peggy said...

Oh yes......
That was a God stop moment last Wednesday, and as I was spending time with a delightful group of brothers and sister who never saw snow before, all I can say is that God gave them a beautiful story book snow.
You should have seen their faces, so childlike and full of God's glorious beauty.
Happy anniversary on the blog, can't even remember what life was like before your blog days.
Please keep filling us with your wonderful insite and guidance.
Blessings and Love.....Peggy

Patti Shene said...

I an sooo jealous! I love snow and we haven't seen more than a few flurries all winter here. This is supposed to be Colorado for crying out loud! Thanks for sharing your pictures.