Snow Day Lessons - Part 2

The kids may have had off from school, but there were some awesome lessons to be learned on our recent snow day! Here's a few more:

“I Can Do It Myself”

Paul demonstrated what a true neighbor does - saw my need and answered the problem with no expectation of reciprocity. But immediately I began thinking of how I could repay him for his kindness. He offered to finish shoveling the front walk I was working on. But I said that I was fine. Thanks, but no thanks. In truth, I behaved like a little child trying to be self-sufficient, not wanting to receive a helping hand. He could have done it in half the time, and as his sweet wife, Nancy, told me the next day, he was going stir crazy in the house and was looking for things to do. He actually enjoyed it! And I robbed him of his blessing by rejecting his offer of help.
I remember well the days when my children would say “I do it myself!” when I knew that they weren’t mature enough yet to do the task. As I try to stand in my own feeble strength, the Lord is beckoning me to lean on Him. "For when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength)." 2 Cor. 12:10 Amp.
Too often, I reject the help of God and other people in a misguided attempt at independence. It’s easier for me to be the 'helper' than the 'helpee'. But when I resist the help that someone offers, I rob them of a blessing. God desires to bless us, but when we try to do it ourselves, we miss out on that divine intervention.

Power in Numbers

Fragile dainty snowflakes, not one like another, easily crushed by the slightest pressure, yet together, they became a formidable force. Swirling, they blind drivers. Accumulating, they grow into massive mounds. Freezing, they create slick and dangerous icy surfaces.
Oh, what we can learn from the snowflake. We, too, are fragile when alone. We are each uniquely different from one another. If we focus on those differences, we remain alone and frail. But if we stand together, we become mighty, powerful to defeat our common foe. Yet...

Not By Might, Not By Power, But By MY Spirit

The front walkway was cleared as much as humanly possible with the shovel, but still was not totally free from snow. But late in the afternoon, half the walk was completely clear. Which half? The half that was in the sun. Half of the front yard is covered by shade. The part of the walk in the shade remained snow-covered.

The light and warmth of the sun can do what no human intervention can do. And the light and warmth of the Son can do what no human intervention can do. As powerful a force when we band together, it pales in comparison to the mighty works of God.

It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over

Beautiful as it is, the pristine snow doesn’t stay pristine for very long. The dirt and grime of feet, vehicles and debris muddle the white landscape.
And as long as we tread on this earth, there will always be cleanup activity. God cleans us up making our scarlet sins as white as snow, and then reveals new areas to work on. Life is a journey, not a destination. the Lord is our pilot, our janitor, our partner, our friend along the way. But He is more than that. He is our source of life and will keep us in this life and the next. Even when it’s over, it’s never over! Praise the Lord!

Susan