Beautiful, just beautiful. Yes, the view this morning outside our windows--breathtakingly beautiful. There is gorgeous snow covering everything. It looks to be about five inches deep at this point and it is still falling!
Christmas 'day' is finished. The Christmas Story has been read and enjoyed and contemplated and discussed. Gifts have been given and received. Christmases 'past' have been remembered, and either laughed about, or cried over. The food has been prepared and consumed. Christmas movies have been watched. Christmas music and decorations have been thoroughly enjoyed this season. The winter storm advisory says we should not travel today, for the storm will continue through this evening. This gives a perfect opportunity to take down the decorations, put away the 'new' stuff, and catch up on our laundry--and stay in side the house.
Before daylight this morning, I saw flashes of lightening. Really? They apparently have lightening during a snow storms in Indiana! Certainly the word unpredictable could be used to describe this kind of weather--and simultaneously wonder if rain and ice would soon accompany the falling snow. I only consult the weather channel if I'm planning a trip, or an outdoor activity--always keeping in mind that there is an element of risk in trusting any forecast--for weather is unpredictable.
The changing seasons are a wonder to consider and behold, as part of nature, or creation. The changing, and unpredictability of the weather gives opportunity to be afraid. Afraid of power outages or frozen pipes, destruction of property, or loss of life. Think about hurricanes Sandy or Katrina, or the tornadoes that take devastated Joplin, MO or Harrisburg, IL or other city blocks, and entire small towns. (Just this morning, we hear about tornadoes in Mobile, AL) This time of year I am reminded of the winter of 2004 that brought a tsunami to the other side of the world, killing thousands and destroying entire communities.
The changing, and unpredictability of the weather that accompanies these seasons gives many opportunities to be in awe. A place of awe in the midst of a thunder storm, a blizzard, even a hurricane must be cultivated. Cultivating this awe must be done purposefully, for it is a sign of living a life of worship--one that worships Mighty God, the Creator, the God of the Universe.
We know from Scripture that all of creation, this includes weather and climate changes, was affected by the fall of mankind in to sin. (go read Genesis 3)
The writer of the book of Romans shares, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of he one who subjected it, in hope, that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." (Rom 8:18-22)
As a mom, groanings are not uncommon during child birth. (and--neither were strong verbal outbursts vowing 'never to do 'this' again'...if memory serves me) Think about comparing that experience to creation, as it groans in its frustration. It was subjected to decay relating that to nature, and reactions , the comparison to creation being subjected to frustration, and its need to be liberated from decay...groaning. When we consider that severe weather is an outward sign of the frustration of creation-seeking to liberate itself from the bondage of decay, it is no longer a thing to fear but to behold.
Do not misunderstand, I am not making light of natural disasters, or trying to explain them away. I am saying, however, that they offer a place where we can see the majesty of God, and discover a place where His power is displayed. This display comes, many times, in the stories during the aftermath. Nothing escapes His gaze and in every circumstance there is a way to bring glory & honor to Him who created us. We must be purposeful in our quest to seek Him in these events.
Imagine the stories that are not recorded but probably were told from first hand accounts of a boat ride with Jesus (the Reason for the Season we are in the midst of celebrating) during a terrifying squall...
This is what was recorded, though, "As they sailed, he (Jesus) fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He go up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm." (Luke 8:23-24)
Knowing that God is in control, for Jesus calmed the storm, makes me want to worship Him more, giving Him praise for the beauty to be seen in the calm waters--or a gorgeous winter snow cover...even in blizzard conditions. Seeing the lightening during a snow storm this morning brought many questions--we can't know 'why? or what it all means?'
We can know, however, that God is ever in control, He sees the beginning from the end, for He is the Ancient of Days. This is not the Garden of Eden, so weather is going to be a part of our human experience on earth.
Enjoy the colors of winter, the shades of brown, grey and white just as much as the color bursts of spring--just try it! And, Praise God for the weather's unpredictability--for that is one more opportunity to trust a Mighty God!
"Jesus was in total harmony with nature, and I am of the opinion that the deeper our Christian commitment becomes, the more likely we will find ourselves in tune and in harmony with the natural world around us!"--A.W. Tozer
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