Yesterday morning's bible study was great -- lots of stimulating conversation with seventeen bright and inquisitive Christians. But truth be told, I was looking forward to a snow day. I go to work when it snows, as does my wife Ruth, because we can both get there in minutes. But it can feel like a holiday when other activities are cancelled and there is opportunity to accomplish certain things which often get pushed into the background or are aching for attention, akin to a toothache. Yesterday wasn't nearly what was predicted.
Snow in Southern Ontario is almost never interpreted positively on the news. We get warned in really silly ways of impending storms, which this winter just haven't materialized. The next day the news is about why the storm didn't descend on us like the wrath of God and why people are annoyed at the inaccurate forecast. Snow is all about the almighty commute and nothing else really matters.
There was an article by Rodney Clapp in the latest issue of the Christian Century about snow and it's beauty:
Sometimes it falls like dust, accumulating like soil. Other times it falls in clumpy, heavy flakes, splattering as it hits the ground. Either way, it leaves that ground white and smooth, trackless and bright with hope of new beginnings. It limns the tree limbs with frosting and makes the power wires glisten with ice.Snow brings a hush, a muffling quiet to busy neighborhoods. It really does change the world, beveling its rough edges of sight and sound.Farmers love snow. It is, as my farming grandmother used to say, good moisture. It covers evenly and melts gently, doing little to erode the topsoil. Dogs delight in snow. Our labradoodle runs and jumps through it, digs into...eats it like a delicacy, like manna falling from heaven.
Not for nothing does the Psalmist exhort "fire and hail, snow and frost" to praise God through its creaturely occurrence (148:8). The Bible's writers are struck most by snow's whiteness, and in it they see reflected holiness—not a self-righteous sort of holiness, but the holiness that brings cleansing and new, capacious life. "Wash me," the Psalmist cries, "and I shall be whiter than snow" (51:7). Similarly, and most famously, God promises Isaiah, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow" (1:18). Snow can be tiresome and even deadly—it sometimes freezes and smothers people and other creatures. But snow can be a cipher of holiness, a sign of renewal and hope. In the lengthening calendar of winter, when the white stuff comes yet again and the shovel grows heavy, let there be a prayer of thanksgiving for snow.
I like it. How about you? Are you missing snow this winter? Gift from God or good riddance?
5 comments:
Gift from God. Love the snow, when I don't have to drive in it!! My commute takes me on country roads, and yesterday was absolutely beautiful as I travelled home, even though it was rain in Bowmanville, north of 7 was lovely and white! Truly a gift!
My kids agree. I came
home at lunch to giggles and flying snow in my backyard.
Buses were cancelled in our School Board today, so although we live close to the schools, no bussing required, they opted for a home day. Good for the soul!
The interpretation of snow is often negative. Espcially in the larger urban areas of Southern Ontario. The reality is that's just something more to contend with in getting around in traffic and on the highways. We are retired and we get out in the snow all the time and appreciate its beauty and reflected light. Maybe that's a luxury....
Weather in general is delivered as it relates to our convenience or inconvenience -- kind of a "service" of mother nature.
There is a much picture here -- snow plays a part in ground cover and run-off and water tables. That perspective is rarely reported.
Three positives on snow, two from people who spent significant years in Northern Ontario and the other from someone who spent years in Calgary and Winnipeg. Coincidence?
Thanks to all of you!
Did I read that right? You have a labradoodle? Avery has been asking for one.
Post a Comment