A Snowflake Lesson

January’s weeks of storm watch, snow on the ground, and arctic freeze has kept much of the Northern Hemisphere poised for winter’s worst. Recently I stayed up late, anticipating the huge blizzard predicted for our area. Remembering picturesque winters from the past, I couldn’t wait to see beautiful, large snowflakes fluttering down. While putting away our Christmas decor, I left the white lights and angel on our artificial tree. Their cheer and ambiance warms these long winter days with prisms of promise, like snowflakes.

Finally the blizzard arrived. From our window the flakes were minute, only rain-like movement proving something was falling to the ground. What happened to the magnificent Snowflake Show? Disappointed, I trudged off to bed.

The next morning’s sun exposed unexpected blessings. Dazzling diamonds sparkled everywhere in the powder, more so than after previous snowfalls. And when the K-3 Patrol (our grandchildren and son-in-law) graced us as sidewalk and driveway keepers, the deep, powdery fluff was easily pushed and scooped with their shovels.

Considering snowflakes (the quantities, sizes, and unique designs) inspires me to consider the abundant blessings God showers on His creation. Blessings, individual like snowflakes, may be expected – like the sun rising every day – or surprising; are of different sizes; are innumerable and beyond our control; are unique, pristine, and reflective of God’s light; are a covering, insulating, and transforming; and melt deeply into our soil of need.

When the heavy drudge of chronic sadness and weighty concerns, like unrelenting dreary weather, takes a toll on hope and joy, gratitude can become buried. Yet, beneath the heaviest snowpack, the Light and Water of Life are working.

Does eclipsed gratitude prevent me from rejoicing in the myriad blessings God provides every day? Am I looking for evidences of God’s blessings, even when they’re hard to see? Am I desiring relationship with the Giver more than His gifts? As I battle disappointment or waning gratitude, I’m reminded to keep my eyes on the Giver of Blessings rather than on my wants or expectations. God is good all the time. May I have spiritual eyes to see how incredibly blessed I am. There are innumerable diamonds of joy hiding, waiting with promise to be revealed. Look! See! There are some right there glistening in the snow! And in God’s timing, crocuses will bloom.

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LORD, thank You for Your unfailing Love. For knowing us better than we know ourselves and caring for our needs. Your gifts are far beyond what we could ask or imagine. Forgive our grumbling and disappointment as our understanding or expectations fail. Thank You, Creator of Forgiveness, for Your patience. Give us eyes to see the blessings You give every day, and grant us hearts of gratitude for Your great Love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”