There is an autumn chill in the air as the winter season approaches. The leaves are leaving the trees and are scattered everywhere my eyes can see. With my rake in hand I’m laboring, perhaps in vain, to clean up our garden and yard in preparation for the frosty months ahead.
In a strange twist—and for the first time ever—I think I’m looking forward to the winter. I’m even hoping for a spectacular abundance of snow this year! This wish is quite odd because, I’m normally a very warm-blooded, white-sand-beach-loving, crystal-blue-water-swimming, Caribbean male, and I have never been enthusiastic about the winter and snow. From my perspective, snow always meant back-breaking shoveling, slipping, car-skidding, cold shivers and perhaps frostbite. But recently, winter has taken on a new meaning for me. After a challenging two years, where the chaos of the world seems to grow by the moment and the hectic pace of events threatens to overwhelm me, the beauty and stillness of a winter snowfall seems quite inviting. Those silent flakes drifting down from heaven by the thousands represent so tranquil a thought. Then, in the morning, you wake up, slip out from under your favorite quilted comforter, and look out at a landscape that is stark white, quiet, and perfectly still. The view through your frosted window is almost ethereal. It’s the dawn of a new winter’s day with a blanket that covers all remnants of the fall season.
On closer inspection, this translucent blanket glitters in the morning light. Little snowflakes stitched together. Each perfectly symmetrical, and no two alike. And though fragile to the touch and finite in their existence, when grouped together, they bring a delicate beauty and stillness to the countryside. It’s so very quiet outside. An eerie hush with just the sounds of my muffled footsteps in the snow. The deer and squirrels are bundled up where they’ve taken shelter, and most of the birds have fled south. During the morning’s silence, and for a brief moment, the world has come to a stop and everyone has time to appreciate the gift God has given us from above. The gift of stillness and peace.
“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39
To my mind, there are few things more beautiful than fresh snow on a morning landscape. The sky is a clear sapphire blue, with the early sun casting lengthy shadows against a bleached white, glittering shroud. A shroud that seems to extend to infinity. This scene is like a gift from above, manna for my heart, nourishment for my soul, and a small piece of Heaven. It’s Gods wonderful, yet small reminder of how even tiny things can make big differences.
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’” John 6:32–33
I look forward to seeing this winter like no other are my passing thoughts as I rake the fallen leaves in our yard and gaze out over the acres of farmland behind our home. This year of global calamity is coming to a dramatic close, and I want to appreciate the calm and quiet that the winter might bring. This time I will try to appreciate it more than ever. The view of the deer family prancing across hundreds of acres of fresh snow. The nightly hoot of our old neighborly barred owl perched in a nearby tree. The crackle of our fireplace as it brings an additional warmth and glow to our home. A good book or two, and the comfort of my soulmate Marilyn as we appreciate the time we have together.
As the evening fades and calming flurries drift down outside our window, I might choose to contemplate what the next year might bring. If I’m ready for what is coming over the horizon. Because I think I can hear the thunder of a horsemen whose color is yet unknown. Are we on the brink of something both mystifying and marvelous? Might we be at the thresholds of prophecy and eternity? Will we experience the difficult pages that I’d read about for so many decades in the books of Daniel and Revelation? I think so because, every new world event seems to be more unique and personal than the last. We are no longer separate from current events, with a newspaper between us and reality; we have each become a part of the story. We are touched by the effects of pestilence, drought, financial crisis, raging forest fires, hurricanes, supply shortages, isolation, and even war. It all seems individualized and very peculiar, indeed. I’ve lost many friends over the past two years, and have not escaped the sickness and plight that has crept into so many of our lives. Like pawns, we are exposed to events we are forced to participate in, with only one true path to warmth and shelter.
So henceforth, I’m making a commitment to study my Bible daily, while spending far more time in personal prayer. Always meditating upon the Word. This coming winter will be a very special time for me, indeed. A gift from Heaven. A peaceful opportunity to shelter in place and immerse myself further in Scripture. A reinforcing of my priorities in life, and a re-fueling of my faith in preparation for the times ahead.
I’m praying for lots and lots of snow.
Then, when the snows eventually depart and that glittering white shroud is removed, I will give all glory to God for the rebirth of life and the unique beauty that the spring season brings. Then, like the land itself, I will be rejuvenated and fully prepared for whatever the future has in store.
“Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” Revelation 21:5
So with a joyful heart, and rake at hand, I look forward to the frigid months ahead, along with the perfect peace and rest-assurance it will provide. An assurance from above, that as we cling together in Christ, shrouded by His glorious love, there will be warmth and sustenance, both before, during and after the fall.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
