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Sunday, February 06, 2011

Storms May Come, And Storms May Go...

Snowstorm
The snowflakes started their quiet, gentle descent, drifting down from the grey skies overhead. Soon, they turned to fat, fluffy flakes that gathered quickly in a soft, white blanket on the ground. The evergreens and other trees reached out to collect their ‘no two alike’ treasures on their bows.

All around, it was peaceful; but it didn’t last. All too soon the flakes changed again, and within the hour the wind picked up, howling and whipping the snow every which way. At times, it was near impossible to see even a few feet into the distance – whiteout conditions ensued.

That snowy scene has taken place at regular intervals within the last six weeks in my city. We’ve had at least one snow storm each week in that amount of time, and it happened again late last night and only ended around noon today. We were expecting a further 30 cm (almost a foot) on top of the roughly 40 cm we already had. That’s over 2 feet of snow – and that’s not counting the drifts and banks from where snow has been shoveled or blown from roads, walkways, and driveways.

Thinking of all the storms we’ve been having (and not only in my city, but in many around the world) reminds me of the storms we face in our lives and how they often leave behind drifts and damage and debris. Sometimes we encounter unpleasant circumstances – pain, suffering, the death of a loved one, loss of a job, etc., that turn our worlds upside down and inside out.

It doesn’t matter, really, whether or not our storms are frequent or infrequent, or if our everyday trials pile up slowly or quickly, for there is Someone we can (and should) turn to, someone who can help us weather our storms.

That Someone is Jesus.

Jesus can help us through the darkest of nights, shining His light along the way. He can comfort us through the violent storms, and the rough waters. He is there for us and helps to bear our burdens:

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden (Psalm 68:19)

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you…(Psalm 55:22)
And, just like the snow, our troubles and problems will not last. They will melt away. But like the over 2 feet of snow we have here, it may take longer than we’d like for them to disappear. Don’t give up, however, hold on to Jesus, because the storms will pass away, the snow will melt and a season of rebirth, growth, and strength will follow.

7 comments:

Pia said...

this spoke to me, shelley. i'm going through something right now and yes, the storms will pass away too. it's just for a season.

thank you for this wonderful reminder.

Moe said...

This is beautiful Shelley. I like when you say, "like the snow, our problems will melt away. I can't wait for mine to do so already! :)

Nice diggs you got here. I'll be keeping a reader's eye out for you. :)

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

Pia and Moe, thank you both for your comments and kind words!

Michelle said...

I love the picture you just drew for us with your words. I can relate being in MN and having way too much snow! Waiting for it to melt.

thanks for visiting my blog too! Praying for you!

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

Thanks for the comment, Michelle!

Tony A said...

I love the analogy...although personally I can't relate. It's a sunny 68* in south Florida!

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

Well, Tony, if I could I would definitely send you tons of snow from up here! Thanks for stopping by.