Growing up in Ohio, we witnessed many snow-filled days. I remember once standing at the window beside my sister, mom and dad, looking outside at the snow falling. We had a fence which ran along the driveway. I always hoped the accumulated snow would reach the top of that fence...which meant, no school. However, my Dad, looking out the same window...protested! Whether we had school or not, he still had to go to work. While the white snow covered the ground, I was always happy and joyful. However, once the white, pristine snow was covered with sloshy mud, my joy turned to sadness.
Everything in my view had turned to darkness. The trees had all lost their leaves, the snow lost its luster. And most days were cloud-filled rather than sunshine.
I think sadness or despair follows Easter Sunday for me. There is so much sadness, beginning Maundy Thursday, followed by Good Friday. Then the joy that fills my heart on Sunday morning, rejoicing that He has risen, He has risen indeed, and then the let-down on Monday morning.
Today we still don't know how soon "house arrest" will be a memory. We still don't know when we can go back to work. Or stores will be open. Is this new lifestyle here to stay? All the uncertainties of life. But, isn't that the way life is? We don't have "control" of most of the things in our lives. I'm thinking there are a few things we can control. We can control who we look to for help, guidance, and acceptance. We can still choose JOY, and we can control who we look to for strength, "The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights (Habakkuk 3:19).
And when I'm feeling lonely or afraid, wondering about all that is happening right now, I know where to turn. These were the words of Moses to the Israelites, but I think I can apply his message to my life today.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you"(Deuteronomy 31:6).
From the Caribbean Sea to Machu Picchu in Peru, and from birds to flowers and butterflies, Reflections and Treasured Wonders offers a collection of images gathered from around the world.
Growing up in Ohio, we witnessed many snow-filled days. I remember once standing at the window beside my sister, mom and dad, looking outside at the snow falling. We had a fence which ran along the driveway. I always hoped the accumulated snow would reach the top of that fence...which meant, no school. However, my Dad, looking out the same window...protested! Whether we had school or not, he still had to go to work. While the white snow covered the ground, I was always happy and joyful. However, once the white, pristine snow was covered with sloshy mud, my joy turned to sadness.
