Reflections by the Sea: Snow
By Betsy Ore Glass
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7 NLT
How exciting to wake up to find that overnight the snow fell and blanketed everything in white. Every leaf on every shrub acts as a small cup to hold the flakes. The tree branches look so intricate with a coating of snow as though an artist brushed fine strokes of white paint along the limbs. The view first thing in the morning is breathtaking. I love especially to take photographs of the snow before the dogs and children start to play and before footprints and shovels change the scenery and serenity. For just a little while, everyone seems to stop what they are doing to look out the window at the pristine gift from nature. The birds and squirrels seem to take pause, too to witness the peacefulness of the moment. Extra coffee, hot cocoa, building a fire and a pot of warm soup are soon to follow such a beautiful morning. Someone once said that when snow falls, nature listens. I believe it is nature’s way to show us what peace is all about.
When we see snow, it is pleasing not to see any footprints in the virgin snow. But in our faith, we definitely want to see evidence of God’s footprint in our lives. We are encouraged when we have divine appointments. When things happen that only God could have orchestrated. The poem about footprints in the sand speaks of a person that only sees one set of footprints in the sand and assumes they are his. The poem goes on to say those footprints were God’s not his. That God was carrying him during times of difficulty because he couldn’t walk himself. We are simply never alone. There is evidence of God’s footprint every day in our lives. For example, finding the verse in the Bible that seems to leap out and was written just for us for the trial we are facing. And how do we know that God is present? It is in the feeling, knowledge and awareness of His Peace that envelopes everything inside and outside of us. We breathe better. We don’t carry a hardened heart and we have emptied out bitterness. Think of that snowy day. How a smile comes so easy. Problems seem so insignificant if for only a moment and joy rises from deep within. That overwhelming feeling and joy that fills us to overflowing is peace. Seek His Peace in every choice, every decision and every moment. Staying in peace is the best barometer for a good life.
Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com or read additional Reflections at www.betsyoreglass.com.
READ ABOUT COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.
ALSO OF INTEREST:
Loading ...