This is my first blog. I have written two books, Listen to the Voices of Your Heart and The River Flows On. It is my hope that your hearts may be filled with peace as you remember your snow storms, whether they are storms that cover your yards or storms that cause you pain and you learn from them.
Three snow storms have recently covered the yards and streets of my neighborhood. As the snow mounds slowly reached for heaven, I was transported back a hundred and fifty years ago when there were no noisy snow plows, only beautifully painted sleds, no cars sliding into ditches along national highways, only neighing horses bedecked with sleigh bells, and no electricity to power our homes, only wood-burning stoves to warm our cabins.
What was it really like back then? With our modern conveniences, we’ve lost so much of what really matters. I saw beauty as I looked out my kitchen window, so much wonder, mystery, peace, and quiet. Tree limbs sparkled with incredible white arms like soldiers preparing to dance the waltz with their partners; snowflakes moved gracefully on the windows like tiny ballerinas. A quiet wind gently blew the snow around in circles, making mysterious pictures for the most imaginative eyes. A mystical fog wrapped its body around the snow, beckoning me with my oil lamp to come out to explore the dark forest of pine trees and strong oaks. Even the snow on the road was pure white, with no black oil marks or muddy spots from cars and trucks trying to maneuver the icy streets.
As small puffs of snow fell from the highest pine tree limbs, I could almost hear a percussive hit below. There was a rhythm to how the snow fell, and a gentle, melodic voice echoed throughout the yard. “I’m here to bless you, my dear; only spring will cause me to flee,” it sang. Tiny chickadees warbled sweet piccolo lines as morning doves cooed a soft bluesy saxophone solo. Off in the distance, a forlorn trumpet answered the “thump-thump” of the passing trombone- train. An then, there was the abundant silence of an earth filled with rest and peace.
There were no arguments, no guns or bombs, no walls to keep people out, no one crying out for food, and no divisions to keep us apart. There was only God’s music as performed in His “Winter Suite of Love.” My kitchen window was covered by the most exquisite of God’s creations: snowflakes. My ears heard the grace of His orchestra, and my heart was bathed in His love and peace.
What have we lost? Our modern conveniences have made our lives easier, but they do not bless us like the peace of pure white snow storms. As my winter years approach heaven, I realize that only God can give us grace and love to enjoy the quiet of His winter symphony. Only He can help us care for one another as one loving humanity. In spite of the severe cold weather, I feel His hand on my shoulder. I hear the music of His heart in the blessings of snow storms. Do you?
