 "For all life is mine: the life of the parent is like the life of the child, both are mine." - Ezekiel 18:4
Some of our cars are fancy and shiny. Some of our cars are sporty and bright. This old car is a little worn and a little tattered, but it belongs to someone. We, too, might not be fancy and shiny, or sporty and bright, but we belong to Someone. God cares for us regardless of our personality, age or appearance. Like an old car, He keeps us tuned and well-oiled so that we can perform the work He wants us to do for Him. Even though we may sputter along, as long as there is still life within us, God nurtures us nonetheless. Dear God, I am thankful that I belong to You -- not owned like a new car but cherished like a classic antique. Help me to become more fully alive to my "belongingness" and Your tender, loving care. Amen.  "And let the peace of Christ control your hearts ... " - Colossians 3:15
During a recent troubling time, I found myself sitting before a candle and just gazing at its light. The dancing flame mesmerized my thoughts. As I emptied my mind and let myself be absorbed into the moment, I experienced such peace. My troubles were lifted and a soothing calm warmed my body. Such peace. I never thought that I could find such peace in the mix of anxiety and fear. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. - Psalm 23:1-4  "... all good giving and every perfect gift is from above ..." - James 1:17
When I was whining and moaning about this ache and that pain, I was reminded that these afflictions were given to me by God. This was a gift to me from Him. He chose me to have this ailment. I could argue "why me?", but, "why not me?". Is my neighbor less worthy than me and should have received this "gift" instead of me? Who am I to place myself above my neighbor? O good and ever-loving God, thank you for this gift of life. Teach me to gratefully accept all things as a gift from You, and to lean on You for your help and comfort when I am tempted to reject Your gift. Amen.  In this area, we haven't seen many snowflakes thus far this Winter. But when they do fall, they are a magnificent creation by God. One definition refers to a snowflake as a "feathery ice crystal". According to LiveScience (19 Jan 2007), "A cubic foot of snow can contain roughly one billion crystals. A rough estimate of the number of snow crystals that fall to Earth per year is about 1 followed by 24 zeros." While science has a radical way of explaining God's creation, this poem by Holly Gerth seems to better describe the beauty of a snowflake to me. The Meaning of the Snowflake
Every new snowflake comes to the earth as a picture of our Saviour’s birth, because they are sent from up above and remind us of God’s care and love. Each one is so intricate and small because Christ sees the details of us all, and just as two are never the same He knows and calls us each by name. Snowflakes gently cover the world in white and hide what’s unlovely from our sight, showing us how He covers our sin and gives us His grace when we come to Him. So may every snowflake bring Christ to mind and in every bit of white may you find a reason to celebrate anew and a reminder of His love for you. |
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