Snow!

Now it's the first week of December, and finally we are getting some chillier weather and the smallest hint of snow to come. Sometimes I forget what it's like to see the world through the eyes of a child. Our son was excited to look out the window the other day and see a little bit of snow. My response is often more like 'Snow - oh great! The streets will be clogged, traffic will be slow, and snow and dirt will make a mess everywhere!'
But there's an upside to snow. It's bright, clean, crisp and cold. It brings the possibility of building a snowman, sliding down hills, and pulling our son on the sled.
There's beauty to see in this world in all seasons. Early this morning I got up and saw the full moon shining through our windows. It was a magnificent sight. It was far to the north, which would have prompted my dad to say that indicates cold weather to come. It's funny what you remember about people that are now gone.
My mom passed away ten years ago. In a few days, it will be seven years since my brother died. And early January will mark four years since my dad has been gone. What we have remaining are memories; memories clouded by time and wishful thinking sometimes. But I have to remind myself that while I have some good and not so good memories, I must focus on those who are with me now. The things that I remember of loved ones who have passed away stem from positive (and sometimes not so positive) experiences. I need to be able to live in the moment, to make the most of the time I have now, rather than living in the past or the future.
Well, my thoughts seem to be coming out rather scattered today. Here's a final thought. Clean white snow reminds us of the forgiveness that God offers us. The Bible says that our sins can be made as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18 - read it here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%201:18;&version=51;). God offers us forgiveness if we will but ask.
After all, that's the very reason that Jesus came, and the reason we celebrate Christmas!
Blessings,
David