It's Snowing Again...

I am reminded of a not so well-known song with lyrics that jump around in my thoughts. It so poetically states that the snow covers the ground and all its imperfections so beautifully that it is a picture of the grace of God, covering our sins. "Like the good grace of Jesus....Somewhere in heaven, it's snowing again..."  The funny thing is, though, that even when we are covered with His grace, we somehow manage to get the grime of everyday living all over us, just like the plowed snow gathers the dirt.  I scan the fields, looking for that pristine beauty of the unaltered, white blanket of snow. My eyes are fixated on that spot: drinking in the clear, sparkling white cover. Am I ever that unblemished picture to ones that don't know of God's grace and forgiveness?  I yearn to be.. I covet the special fellowship with my Lord when all is right with Him and me. I want to be an example of Christ's love to others. I hope that He can be seen in my life.  I don't want to be one who is tromping around in the slush of dirtied snow, leaving a trail of muddied footprints. I want my grandchildren and children to recognize that my life is hidden in Christ...and not a shadow of empty words and actions.  This past month, Ephesians 4:32, be kind one to another, has been whirling around me. Have I
been kind? tenderhearted? forgiving? I can say I recite those words to myself countless times a day, in a effort to make them reality. Close behind is Proverbs 3:5-6, admonishing me to trust in the Lord, acknowledging Him in all things so He can direct me. I thank God that He continually covers me with His grace, just as the snowfall covers the ground again, whitening all signs of imperfections and inconsistencies.

January

It is January.. the Christmas and New Year holidays are behind us, and the fourth snowfall of the season is upon us. The scene is beautiful: green pines supporting white hats of snow, the bleakness of the winter season hidden by the clear, white cover. We are all snug and warm in the house, until the opening door ushers in the cold blast of air, nipping our toes and causing shivers.  Neither the dogs nor the kids want to venture out into arctic air. Samantha and Paige still insist on demonstrating their "summer-baby" characters: sleeveless tops along side winter boots. I wait, no, I yearn, for the hot winds of summer.  Elijah will be two at the beginning of the summer season. He is starting to bloom now, in spite of the cold. "Nannie, up....yum... more, please...i love you...eat...uh-huh..." Words are beginning to replace that baby babble, and it makes me smile. Victoria turns 14 this week.. Wow!  Has it been that long? She is a young lady now, no more baby stuff coming from her, but she still lets me hug and kiss her, just the same. Jamin and Wyatt are real boys.  They run, hit balls and pretend to be superheroes. Jamin is Wyatt's hero. He looks up to Jamin with that look that says "I want to be like you...." Elijah had on a big brother shirt the other day....is it time to pop again????