Circuit Thoughts - Pointing

Winter finally hit us. As I sit here in my office, (after an interesting journey through biting cold and snow) I’m watching melt come off the roof. There is some melting on the streets. While it is encouraging, I know that this melt will become ice when it freezes again later this evening. Many kids may be happy because they are out of school. Some businesses are shut down today due to road conditions. The expectation is we may get a repeat of this later this week. Ah, the not-so-subtle changes of the seasons. I know many of you have had to contend with this cold.

Farmers are fighting freezing equipment, and birthing livestock. Business owners are dealing with a lack of customers and employees. Yet, there is a certain beauty to the snow. It tends to cover the scars that are laid upon the earth. Its whiteness gives a sense of cleansing. Though temporary, we see a sense of God’s purity in the snow.

Nature has a way of showing God’s beauty and grace. Even in the toughest of times, we can be reminded of God’s goodness in all things. Psalm 19 tells us that Creation itself declares the Glory of God. “The heavens are telling the glory of God: and the firmament’ proclaims his handiwork” is the way that chapter starts. The firmament is the ground. Even the mountains, the dirt and the mud declare the wonder of God’s creation.

I know that weather like this is difficult at best. The cold hurts, the snow is slick, and many injuries occur due to the weather conditions. But these conditions also provide a time of slowing down and appreciating God’s handiwork. The necessity of this weather shows us God’s attention to detail.

Think about it. Snow provides an insulating cover for seeds that have been put into the ground by the animals. This allows the seeds to develop a root system before the rains of spring try to wash them away. At the same time, the hibernating animals are beneath this same snow, hiding until the snow melts and they can run again. The water of the snow will nourish the soil and fill our ponds and streams. Add to that the bonus of the laughter of kids playing and sledding and you can appreciate that this isn’t all bad.

In Christ, we need to dwell on what is good and just. The weather is not evil, it just is. But God’s planning makes it beneficial to all. After this series of snow leaves, we will be in a whole new and freshly nourished world. New life will start to unfold, and new green will come out. Winter is making us ready for Spring.

And with Spring comes the promise of resurrection and Life. See what God did there? God is always pointing to His son in every way possible. Even the snow points to Resurrection. I know, snow and freezing can be a nuisance, (just as the Miami Dolphins) but it is not without purpose. Everything in Nature has a purpose, and that purpose is to point to God.

Just a thought.

Shalom my friends. See you in church.