Isn’t that a beautiful sight? Someone captured the beauty in the middle of our blizzard conditions here in Colorado and shared this picture.
I looked up the word blizzard and here’s what I found:
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Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. Lots of snow, lots of wind and difficulty seeing what’s ahead of you. Which is the reason I was stuck in the house today, unable to go anywhere.
I love this image of the deer. He’s up to his neck in snow. But he’s not panicking. He’s standing strong and tall. He was made for such conditions and he will be just fine. The beauty of this picture is seeing his head held high above the drifts.
Sometimes life comes at us like a blizzard. Fierce winds of circumstance. Severe snowstorms of unexpected happenings in our lives. So blinding that we can’t see what’s ahead. And we find ourselves trapped or paralyzed, afraid to go out and face the weather. Unable to move forward.
But remember my post about “apricity”? “The warmth of the sun in winter”. Yesterday, my apricity was found sitting by my fireplace. Though the snow outside was accumulating and the wind was roaring past my windows, I was safe. And beyond safe, I was warm. Though the storm affected me in some respects, it didn’t destroy me because of the protection of my “shelter”.
Because of the storm, I was able to accomplish things that otherwise I would have been too busy to engage in. Extra time with my family. Chores that needed tending to. Creative endeavors that I’d been meaning to do. I found myself thankful for the storm in spite of its bitter cold temperatures and frustrating gales.
God is our shelter in the storms of life. Our solid, warm, protected place that invites us in. Our apricity. The wind may howl and the snow may drift up all around us, but like that deer, we can hold our heads high. God made us for such things. He will see us through. The constantly changing weather will not overcome or consume us. There are things to be learned in these times. Beauties that can only happen and be seen and appreciated under such circumstances.
And soon spring will come. The deer standing still in the snow now, will be seen running freely when that snow melts. He will have made it through the winter season stronger than ever. And we will, too…
Until springtime comes, we can do this:
Psalm 31:1-3 – In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Psalm 107:28-31 – Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Matthew 8:24-26 – Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
