SPRING SNOW
It's been a few months now since I've written any weather related Whatchas. You may not know it, but such “climatic clamups”, especially during the winter season, almost add up to treason in Canada. We love talking about our weather here. We may not like living through it, but we sure like talking about it!
Well, my silence has been in part, due to the fact that things on the home front have been downright wonderful. After the terrible ice storm that came our way a few months ago, things have been unseasonably nice. Take February, for instance. The first half was sunny, the second half, rainy. Yes, I said rainy. I can't remember a winter that has been as consistently mild as this one has. So, much of my silence has something to do with the fact that I don't want to proclaim the beauty of this winter and somehow jinx it!
This past Saturday we got hit with the biggest snow storm in quite some time. Lots of snow and wind and drifts. In fact, we had to cancel Sunday School to allow people time to dig out before church.
Ah, I bet I know what you're thinking. A big snow storm in the middle of March? Yuk!!! Au contraire, bucko! Even though we have snow piled up to our elbows, it doesn't phase me a bit. Actually, I was rather pleased! Oh, but it's been such a long winter and spring is just around the corner. Isn't this past storm like an obnoxious couple that drops by your house for a “short” visit that extends past the point of all reasonable consideration?
I guess some might look at it that way, but I take it in stride. Why? How? Simple. This was clearly a spring snow storm. Yeah, well, what does that mean? It means that regardless of how fierce it was, it's quickly gone. In a week, or sooner, every last flake will have faded.
On Prince Edward Island, where Sheila and I ministered for six years, and where snow was first invented, they have a phrase describing the snow that comes late in the season. It's called a “poor man's fertilizer” because it has a way of giving the land that extra little boost before it's time to start the cycle of new birth once again. See, I'm not the only one with this kind of positive attitude!
Ok, so what's the point of all
this weather waxing? Simply this:
It's easier to take the storms when you see the light at the end of the tunnel! There's nothing worse than a storm in the middle of January, because at that point, there is no hope! But, now with the days growing in length and the temperature climbing, there is hope that this, too, shall pass. Now let me ask you a question? When storms come into your life, do you treat them like January storms, or spring storms? Do they take you down for the count and make you want to give up? Or, do you, regardless of the storm's fierceness, still see light at the end of the tunnel?
I would suggest to you that as Christians, the only storms that we should see are spring ones. Why? Cause that's our reality. Not enough of an answer? Ok. Here are a few more points to ponder.
First, we are told that the bad things that happen in our lives have a purpose if we are called by God (Romans 8:28). God uses storms to teach us and bring us into Christ-like maturity.
Second, even the biggest storms of life will be nothing in comparison to the fair weather of eternity! In other words, faith gives us the hope, the light we need to view all of our storms as spring storms that will fade with the warmth and glory of an eternity with our Lord!
Finally, isn't it true that a particularly long winter only makes us enjoy the warmth and new life of spring all the more? Some days aren't all that great. I've seen a lot of sorrow, pain and sickness over the last year or so and sometimes I wonder what will happen next. But, I also see glimpses of the coming eternal spring in answered prayer, and the gentle caress of my Saviour. Yes, the days are getting longer, and I sense a bit more warmth. Sweet spring, eternal spring, any storm can be weathered when I have my eyes fixed upon You!
Prayer
Lord, You are many things to me. My Lord, my Saviour, my Friend, my Protector and Advocate. But, in the days that I am down and tired of the storms, you are my Spring! Thank You for the always-present hope of new life, eternal life in You! Amen.
