I woke up to picture-perfect snow falling outside my window this morning! Huge fluffy snowflakes captured my fascination as they slowly drifted down to join the thick blanket already covering everything in sight. Like a child, I dressed in layers and ran outside to play, with both my cocker spaniels leading the way! Worn out, I have since enjoyed the gorgeous view by the fire inside, with dry clothes, warm coffee, and two sleeping dogs.
You see, snow falling is a rarity in central Mississippi, and snow that sticks long enough to accumulate is even more rare.. a Christmas Miracle, if you will! Truly, these several inches of white fluff are a special blessing to a [deep] Southern girl like me!
There is just something about seeing the world covered in white! It is so quiet and peaceful and still. The normal hurried sounds of the day are absent as though the world has slowed its pace. The contrast of browns, greens, and yellows against the pure and simple white create a beautiful tapestry unlike any other in nature.
I love the feeling of freedom that envelops me when snow falls. It is a freedom to just be, to stop and rest in the amazement and joy, and to slow down and savor the beauty surrounding me. As nature tends to do, as I stop to appreciate my surroundings, my thoughts turn to God. I see His hand in each snowflake that falls and stare in wonder as they gather and rest on tree branches without overwhelming or breaking them. The harmony of it all is simply breathtaking. I cannot stop staring at the world around me!
Perhaps this state of harmony is how God intended the world to be? Perhaps He longs for us to see the beauty He creates in nature more often and to rest in His peaceful calm?
This snow-covered day gives a deeper and fresh meaning to a favorite verse of mine:
“BE STILL, and know that I AM God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10, ESV
Psalm 46 celebrates Zion (the coming city of the LORD) and God’s plans to bless all the earth with His majestic presence. All wars will cease, and peace will rule the nations.
Be still, people of the earth, and welcome the coming LORD! Let God’s peace fall down upon you like snow. Let the blanket of white cover you and the quiet calm envelop you until you can truly rest in the real presence of the LORD.
Take time this Advent season to JUST BE STILL! Take in the beauty of the snow (if you have any), and allow it to calm and soothe you. Remember that God created time. He will not let you “get behind” because you have chosen to pause and be still in His presence; rather, He will bless you with snow flurries of joy and peace as you go about your day!
[NOTE: More to come on the season of Advent in upcoming posts! Stay tuned!]
elizabeth gwin 