Snow Angels

  Every now and then, I decide it's time to sort through and reduce the accumulation of papers, notes and collections of this-n-that, all of which need to be filed either as keepers or candidates for the recycling bin.  While attempting this recently, I found a copy of a wonderful little collection of thoughts written with the idea of encouraging us all to lighten up and view life with a childlike anticipation of good things.  The specific"good thing" in this writing was....SNOW!  Now, as a lifelong snow-lover, this got my attention.  I ceased sorting and tossing and sat down to read this little treasure.  The author described a time when his children were small and were playing in the snow, throwing snowballs gleefully...until a snowball hit the window and their father appeared with stern admonitions. The author/father went on to describe how, in spite of his irritation, the sight of his little boy making a snow angel with the intention of having his angel speak on behalf of his brother and himself and hopefully softening his daddy's heart, did indeed accomplish just that. He was reminded of how the storms of life can rob us of the simple trust and joy of childhood.  How do we view a snowstorm?  Dread or delight?  An annoyance, inconvenience, problem?  Or as a gift to be treasured and an opportunity for great fun? 

It is January and I am hoping a good snow day will soon be here.  I want to watch the snowflakes fall, go for a walk and listen to that amazing hush that seems to fall with the snow, watch my little grandchildren celebrate.....and perhaps make a snow angel of my own!

 

"I want there to be a twinge of excitement in your heart when you see snowflakes on the weather forecast.  As a grown-up, I hope you will savor the peace of a snow-covered hill, for few things blanket the earth with peace like a snowfall does.  But as a child - because I know there's one in you somewhere - I hope that when you peer out your window this winter and see snowflakes, you will throw on your coat and grab your mittens and fall into a pile of white, flailing your arms with all your might and make an angel out of your storm."    

 

~ T.D. Jakes ~

A Bit of Humor From Two "Saints"

I recently read a footnote in my Bible, commenting on Acts 2:46 and 16:34, which stated that "joy is to be the mood of the believer."  We understand that life will not always feel happy, but joy is another matter.  There is nothing much sadder to me than the Christian who appears to be joyless.  As God's own people, we have everything we need to not only survive in this broken world, but to live victoriously...with joy intact!

My son once told me a joke that absolutely cracked me up....it was about an alligator that walked into a bar and ordered a drink, causing the bartender to ask "Why the long face?"  The joke may not be quite as effective in written form, lacking my son's delivery, but you get the point. I do so hope that, wherever I walk, I give no cause for folks to wonder "why the long face?"!

"May God protect me from gloomy saints."  ~ St. Teresa of Avila

An Easter "Yes!"

In just over a week, we will celebrate Easter!  The flowers, trees and birds seem to be shouting out "Yes!  We are alive!" Even though it has been unseasonably cold this spring, the signs of renewal and new life are everywhere.

For many, many years now, buying and wearing a new "Easter outfit" has not been a part of my plans for participating in Resurrection Sunday worship and celebration.....but this year I have had a happy desire to do just that....to wear something colorful and bright and new on Easter morning.  This yearning took me by surprise and I gave some thought to why it was happening and what it means.  Why?  The answer, I think, is that a burst of color reflects what is happening in my heart.

 We sing a song...."My hope is in You, Lord"....and there it is, the reason to celebrate, to sing, to dance, to worship with a joyful "Yes!"   My hope, my joy, my comfort, my strength, my life is in Him, and I look forward to Easter with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation.  So I am going to wear something new and bright on Easter Sunday this year and try to keep myself from dancing up the aisle at church shouting my "Yes!" and "Alleluia!"  Christ is risen.  He is risen indeed!

                                            " Deck yourself with joy!" ~ Elisabeth Elliot