Snowflakes and Sunshine

Earlier this month, we woke to an unexpected covering of snow.  It was a school day, so I told the boys that if they wanted to play in it they'd better get out and grab the opportunity, as there'd be none left when they got home.  Snow fun is not just for kids either—daddy built a snowman, and was nearly late getting the boys to school.

Just moments after taking this photo, I ducked indoors to dodge a snowball!

By lunch time, other than in a few areas of shadow, the white carpet had disappeared.  The little snowman stood in sharp contrast to the green grass, still sporting hat and scarf, but his eyes lay on the ground and his carrot nose had rolled a little way down the lawn.  After school, all that remained was a white blob.

I found myself prayerfully pondering that day: in what areas of my life might my courage, strength or commitment start to melt away when things heat up a bit?  On the other hand, could there be things about me that I'd like to keep in the shadows so some ice-statue can stand proud for as long as possible?

Today marks a significant anniversary for me.  Thirty years ago, as a 9-year old girl, I first put my trust in Jesus.  Through reading a story book, I was inspired to own and express my own faith in Christ.  I knelt beside my mum and she led me in a prayer of personal faith in Jesus, to thank him him for what he has done for me and trust him as my Saviour.  Although I had limited understanding and absolutely no clue of what was ahead, that day was a significant beginning.

Looking back on thirty years of learning what it means to follow Jesus and to keep submitting myself to God's ways, I've remembered that snowman again.  I'm thankful that by God's grace I'm still standing, and I'm aspiring to say with the psalmist: "My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.  But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content."  (Psalm 131:1‭-‬2 NIV)

"Lord God, thank you for your faithfulness in my life.  Over the next thirty years, please strengthen what you have built in me, and shine your softening light where what is not from you needs to be melted away.  Whatever it takes, please form in me a depth of character that far surpasses the influence that you give me.  In your mercy, may it never be the other way around.  Amen."⬦

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