Reflections of Snowy Glitter

It is exciting to see the first sparkly crystals of snow falling slowly from the sky, the sharp coldness arrives with an element of anticipation, wondering what this particular storm will bring. And when it is upon us we can either choose to lift our eyes in search of its arrival, waiting to feel the snowflakes brushing against our cheeks in greeting, or we can cast our eyes down as we trudge along through one more of life's obstacles. But the snow will come.  This time, or the next time, it will surprise us with a thick layer of white that turns the everyday surroundings into a glittering wonderland.  This transformation of white seems to set us apart for a short time to refresh our childlike spirit of adventure. We can watch through the windows of time, perhaps sitting by the fire with hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a dash of crushed peppermint candy. We may choose to pull on the boots and a warm hat along with a snuggly coat and rush out into the falling snow, much as a child would explore the whole realm of smells and sounds as the cold air might make us gasp for breath. It is a time to sing. It is a time to look closely at the details of nature gowned in shiny white.
These details become part of the tapestry of each personal life, through which we may see more of what God has made known through His creation.  I will be watching in the morning to see what the day will bring.
Will there be a sunrise? Colorful clouds that contast with the pure white landscape? And I will listen to the quiet... experience the quiet, while at the same time find joy in the occasional bird singing in welcome of the morning. This poem written a few years back celebrates the season with grandchildren in mind.

A Glittering Gift

As the gray early morning sky grew brighter with sunshine breaking through,

The air seemed to be full of glitter… glorious glittering flakes of snow…

The sky was filled with gleaming bits of ice crystals reflecting the welcome sunshine.

It reminded me of diamonds sparkling against the dark blue of the cloudy morning…

Exquisite sparkling diamonds to dispel the cold grayness of the dawn…

One joyful little granddaughter saw the glitter with delight of a child!

“Oh!” she said to her mom with awe, “the sky is full of glitter!”

The big granddaughter also related seeing the glitter in the lights the evening before.

Oh God, I thank You for filling these precious children with wonder at the witness of Your design.

I pray they will keep this eager attitude for a lifetime, delighting in all You will show them of Yourself.

It would be wonderful Lord, if I could welcome every day with the excitement of a child… many times You do give me that luxury…and You reward me with glittering glimpses.

You show me something so beautiful that it moves me to exclaim recognition of the gift with delightful surprise and to thank You for pouring out Your love upon me.

It is a sad thing when we get so caught up in daily responsibilities that we fail to observe the glitter You sprinkle about to make us smile!

We step out into the cold outdoors, rushing to get chores finished, hurrying to get back to the comfort of the warm fire.

We move about with our heads down, trying to escape the reality of the arctic wind… trying to avoid discomfort and thereby miss the joy You set before us.

A child would listen to the crunching of the snow with each step…

            Would watch their frosty breath as they talked…

                        Taste the icy treat…

With exuberance they might lie down and make snow angels!

Dear Lord, what joy I see reflected in those beautiful faces…

I see all of Your promises welcomed in their eager optimism…

They live each moment with joyful enthusiasm of learning, tasting and laughing, trusting for tomorrow to come and present more opportunity.

Sometimes it seems to take a snowy day to bring back the childhood excitement in us…

A day set aside from the busy running to and fro of our hectic pace…

A day to step outside our routine activities and just become a laughing, light hearted child again… for a while…

What a feast for the eyes...

            Music for a joyful heart…

                        Smiles and laughter for the soul!

Oh Lord, You provide refreshment in many ways to restore our spirit within…

After seeking Your presence in experiencing the glittering morning light, we can then sit by a glowing fire and feel the warmth gently turn away the shivering coldness…

A cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows just for fun warms from the inside.

We have been transported for a moment to a magical childlike state, yet we are given appreciation as an adult for the opportunity to taste more of Your glory this day.

Our work goes on. The memories of the moment move us to approach our tasks with renewed vigor…

As we work, we cannot help but look out the window of our routine for another glimpse of a glittering gift from You dear God.

            1/27/04