My Inbox of Daily Inspirations: Daily Heartlight -- January 8, 2008

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January 8, 2008

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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================

Snow Days, by Lisa Mikitarian

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes (Psalm
147:16 TNIV).

Because I grew up on the west coast, I didn't experience a snow day
until I was married, had children, and was transplanted to the east
coast. In the Shenandoah Valley, I have discovered the gift of these
remarkable days.

Like Christ covering our sins, every defect in our town, in our
neighborhood, and in our yard is covered with a pristine blanket of
white wool. Is there anything to compare with the beauty of freshly
fallen snow?

I like the vacuum of sound that seems to accompany one of these days.
I've noticed an interval of time when life pauses -- everyone has
already stood in lines with their gallons of milk and their loaves of
bread. The snowplows have not yet rolled by and the shovels lean
against the house, waiting. The children, who ventured outside when it
first started coming down, are now inside -- also waiting -- wanting
the fluffy inches to accumulate. In this moment, it's as if our world
has been encapsulated in a giant snow globe and only the snow is
moving.

The result of this stillness is a feeling of freedom. Freedom from
school and work. Freedom from piano lessons and dental appointments.
Freedom from board meetings and choir practices. The activities may
even be enjoyable ones, but having an unexpected break feels
liberating. This freedom, though, extends beyond schedules. For a
moment, we seem to let go of the worries and tribulations of life we
may be facing and instead rest in the serenity before us.

May you have many snow days!

When I shared my feelings on snow with my husband, he said when life
with bills and illnesses and job worries becomes overwhelming, he
thinks about Christ and what he did for us and what it means for us.
Then, for a moment, he experiences the complete sense of freedom I was
describing.

Then the telephone will ring reporting the next crisis. But that moment
of pure peace helped him put life back into perspective and he is
recharged to handle whatever comes. "Well I do that, too," I told him,
somewhat taken aback. "Wow!" I thought, "my husband manufactures his
own snow days. He doesn't have to wait for the hundred-year blizzard to
feel free from the cares of this world. He could live in the Sahara
Desert and enjoy the benefits of a snow day."

This wintry season -- and all year long -- may you have many snow days
regardless of where you live or what the weatherman forecasts. May you
know the peace Christ offers all who believe and accept His words.

---------
(c) 2008 Lisa Mikitarian <miks@shentel.net>

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Daily Heartlight -- January 8, 2008