Will the Snow Ever End?

We Lake Superior dwellers wonder sometimes if it will end. After last year’s long, snowy, cold winter, some people are complaining already about this early winter. We can’t deny its beauty and value, however. Snow is a blessing … isn’t it?

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES               by Sally Bair

The character of snow

Snow. We either love it or hate it. Whether snow is a beauty to behold or a nightmare to drive in, it has character.

Snow is a protective covering for plants and water pipes. It insulates the ground, the underground, and our northern lakes against the freezing temperatures of winter. All sorts of critters make their homes under the snow where they stay warm and dry.

Snow brings energizing, enriching nourishment to all water systems. Snow runoff feeds the rivers and lakes just as rain does, with its high content of nitrogen. Garden hoses and irrigation lines are beneficial at times, but nothing beats heaven-sent moisture that super-nourishes plants, flowers, and crops faster and more healthfully.

Snow is a silencer. During a snowfall, the flakes absorb sound, giving a hushed quality.

Snow reveals what exposed earth does not—the imprints of life—because of its dazzling, light-enhancing quality. It's easier to view the tracks of animals and birds after a fresh snowfall than at any other time.

Snow has its own personality, be it heavy and wet, soft and fluffy, or granular like pellets. We can tell the difference when we drive in it, walk in it, work in it, or shovel it out of our way.

Like snow, God's personality has many facets. The Bible is full of illustrations about God's character, things our finite minds learn through the use of similes and metaphors. We can more easily understand about God when He is compared to something visible.  Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, for instance. The Bible also describes Him as the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the True Vine, the Rock of Ages, the Lamb of God, the Bright Morning Star, and the Gate.

God’s Holy Spirit is our protective Comforter against the cold blasts of adversity. He is also called the Spirit of Fire, the Voice of the Almighty, and the Breath of God. He nourishes and energizes us through God’s Word. He silences us so we can hear Him more clearly. He reveals our sins and shortcomings and turns our dark thoughts, words, and deeds into light.

We may not all enjoy the snows of winter, but we can all rejoice in the many wonderful facets of God's personality. "As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless."  (Psalm 18:30)

Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself in so many ways. Bring us to an even larger understanding of Your character so we can grow in faith and serve You better. In Jesus’ name, amen.