Momspirational Life

Snow holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a four-letter word that brings up cherished memories and sparks new ones. As children, we could not contain our excitement at the chance of playing in the brisk, refreshing snowfall. The joy and exhilaration we felt as the snowflakes danced around us became memories that stayed with us, treasured as time goes by. Even as adults, we find ways to recapture that same sense of wonder and thrill, whether it is through building snowmen with our family, having snowball fights with our family, or simply taking in the serene beauty of a winter landscape.

The Stillness of Snow

As we age, our perspective on snow changes. While our excitement for snow may remain, we also begin to consider the challenges it presents. We become concerned about travel or work disruptions and the additional effort required for snow clearance. Our feelings about snow become a blend of cherished memories and the responsibilities of adulthood. Yet, despite these changes, the joy of a snowy day never truly diminishes. There is a profound tranquility that accompanies a fresh snowfall. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and innocence in the natural world, offering us moments of stillness and introspection amidst our hectic lives.

Since it is wintertime as I write this, we experienced the first snowfall of the year. My son has been playing outside for quite a while, building a snowbank for him and his friends to slide into on a makeshift sled. There is something about stepping outside before the snow hits, and smelling the clean, crisp air. I love the way the world seems to slow down during a snowstorm, as if nature itself is taking a deep breath and pausing for a moment. It is a perfect time to cozy up indoors with a warm drink and appreciate the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape.

With Snow Brings New Beginnings

The symbolism of snow is deeply meaningful to me. When I witness the first snowfall, it feels like a promise of new beginnings. This is not to downplay the significance of rainfall, as it holds its own unique symbolism. Rain can create instant puddles and even lead to flooding when it becomes excessive. In contrast, a snowfall forces us to slow down, freezing things in the physical realm and prompting us to internalize and reflect on our faith. The snow blankets the landscape, which will eventually awaken and bloom with beauty in the springtime. As Christians, we can see parallels in this process.

Busyness has become idolized in our society today. Every date box on our calendars is filled with commitments, pulling us away from quality time with God and allowing distractions to take over. When we neglect our quality time with God, we lower our spiritual guard against attacks from the enemy. This leaves us feeling weary and tired physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Snowfall in Our Hearts

If we imagine our bodies as a landscape created by God, we are encouraged to show positive qualities through the Holy Spirit. When we encounter rainstorms like physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual struggles, we tend to keep pushing forward. However, we sometimes forget to focus on God during these tough times. Often, when we face unbearable situations, we try to handle them on our own.

When the rainstorm turns into a snowfall, spiritually speaking, it prompts us to pause and appreciate the daily blessings from God. A rainstorm may not make us stop and refocus on God, but a snowfall can immobilize us and allow our hearts to warm and soften.

During a snowfall, nature seems to be draped in a serene blanket of white, muffling the usual clamor of the world. In such moments, we are prompted to reflect on the beauty of creation and the small miracles that occur around us every day, but often go unnoticed amidst the busyness of life. The stillness of the snowfall encourages us to embrace tranquility and seek solace in the still, silent voice of our loving Father.

Embracing the Snow

Moreover, the metaphor of a snowfall can be likened to the cleansing of the spirit. Just as the snow covers the earth with purity, symbolizing a fresh start, it reminds us of the opportunity to cleanse our own thoughts and actions, allowing for a renewal of the heart and mind. Therefore, when the storm transitions into a snowfall, it beckons us to not only observe the external beauty but also to turn inwards and cultivate our intimacy with God. It is in this stillness that we may find the space to connect with our loving Father, embracing the thawing of our hearts and the renewal.

Seeing Jesus in the Snow

I see Jesus in the snowfall upon us. We are simply flawed human beings, and snow symbolizes purity. To draw a comparison with nature, the rainfall in our lives represents a storm we have to face, yet the snow represents Jesus calming our storms. We embrace the stillness of being connected with Jesus in order to transform into the individuals God intended us to be.

What might this look like? Take a family enduring physical hardships, perhaps life-threatening. Often, but not always, a Christian will continuously seek the Lord, but they become burdened.

This may look like:

• A believer seeking Christ right from the start of the spiritual attack, but the season is persistent, causing them to become weary.
• Sometimes there may be consistent fellowship with the Lord during hardship, but the person might become blindsided with unexpected news.
• Perhaps, it is a believer who has not been in the Word regularly, and when a spiritual attack surfaces, they felt unprepared to face the battle.

I mention these instances because I, too, have been in these spots throughout my Christian life. A Christian is only human and can do so much in the physical realm while we have a loving Father who can do much more than we can ever imagine.

To Reflect Within

This analogy of snowfall compares the calming presence of Jesus to the purity of snow, suggesting that embracing Jesus can bring peace and purity to our hearts, leading to transformation and alignment with God’s Will for our lives. Let me leave you with this thought. The calm embrace of a snowfall gracing your life beckons a peaceful serenity to settle in and contemplate His Presence. It is through Jesus that we find the ability to relax and release everything we carry in our lives to God, so that we may align our hearts with His Will for us. No matter where we are in our fellowship with God, we are always a prayer away from connecting with the One who cares for us.

When the snowfall comes down in our lives, remember to embrace it and "pause in the snow."