It Really Is Beautiful!

Our digital camera is no more, so at 7:00 AM this morning my word will have to do.
Some trees are holding firm, limbs outstretched upward, carrying the burden of many inches of new fallen snow upon their strength.

Some are cast downward, the weight is just too heavy. I could run out there and make my neighbors ponder my sanity, and just start shaking those little trees and bushes wildly. The snow would fall away in wintry clouds, sparkling, twirling, it would be grand. But I am not.

In my heart, yesterday...I got quickly burdened then shook by God's love. I went to work, a half hour early, what a blessing, my van run in the afternoon was cancelled and I was able to leave work at 3:00. I actually did a happy dance to the Holy Spirit in the classroom. So I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for recognizing God on my heart earlier in the day.

Oh, you puffy girl! At 3:05 I realized a car in our driveway at work was having trouble navigating out. We both proceeded through 8 inches of the wintry stuff that had fallen and I was not so happy at her progression up the highway. It was slow. Immediately my mind self-centered itself..."you need to speed up", "we aren't going to make it up this hill".

Then it hit me, she's probably as scared as I am! She has out of state plates, farther to go. You selfish little girl, Carol! I made it home...sadly I don't remember if I even sincerely prayed for her safety.

When I got home, immediately I put the boots on and began the task of shoveling. There was so much snow that my car couldn't even make it fully to the garage. Earlier in the day, I had said how I love to shovel. Not yesterday though. I asked God why am I not enjoying this! Now I know.

That little crack in the armor. That attack of selfishness had hardened and dimmed the light of Jesus.

After I post this, I am going to grab myself a bottle of water, reboot...I have already been out once this morning to get hubby out since I now have a snow day and the kids are sleeping in. I heard a flock of geese, this morning at 6:00 AM, flying in the darkness of morning. It stirred in me God's awesome grace.

They are continuing on their journey. Since I could not see the flock, only hear their trumpets call in the dark, I am presuming they were in the traditional "V". Led by one as they continued on their flight.

My goal today is to think of the One, who has saved me by His gift of grace. To shake off the burden of selfishness. To reach my heart and arms upward, carrying the weight of others in prayer. To talk to God, to put my focus back on His will and not my own desires.

Now it's time to grab my i-pod and hit some CeCe and Kirk Franklin, reboot more than just my feet, but my heart. It's daylight now, a skier's delight! It's overtime money for some working to keep our roads clear, a blessing with Christmas so near. It's also time when, some, like me, just plain get scared.

Heavenly Father...forgive me, help those in need on the roads.
Your world is truly a beautiful sight to behold this morning!
Thank you again for a lesson learned. I am bowed in humbleness, but not broken.
Lord, you have made many here a hearty bunch...may those hearts turn to you and steer clear of the many dangers out there, not just on the roads, but also in the deceit that can quickly enter our minds.

Amen, Carol