Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Job 38:22 (KJV)
Here in South Texas I can enjoy the winter vicariously with a cup of hot chocolate in front of a blazing fireplace. And every year, without fail, we hope that we will have a White Christmas. (There are even companies that produce fake snowballs so children can indulge in a friendly “fight.”) It’s only in our fertile imaginations that we have the blessings of a white landscape without any of the accompanying challenges.
The last snow we had was in 1984, and it shut down the city. Everyone had an unexpected holiday (even the weathermen). That is the benchmark to which we point. If only we could have a Christmas like that…
Our missions ministry currently has a team of young professionals working in an orphanage outside Nairobi. Last year when we were there, we were privileged to attend the school’s Christmas program. How bemused, yet delighted, we were to hear the whole school sing Jingle Bells. “Dashing through the snow…” I would be surprised if even one of those little guys knew what snow was really about.
And so, I think that perhaps snow and Christmas enjoyment are linked together in many cultures. But then I read God’s question to Job (above v. 38:22). He describes snow as a treasure that is kept in a storehouse. What a lovely image. Even God regards snow as special and something that can be enjoyed world-wide without cost.
God distributes his gifts freely and says that he gives us all things to enjoy (I Timothy 6:17). Every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). Let us be thankful and enjoy all the treasures of nature that freely come from God’s loving hand.
Father, sometimes we can be grumpy about the weather. Discipline us to accept all things from your hand, and help us to learn to be content, if not enjoying, your providences. Thank you. AMEN.
agodforeveryday 