Snowy start to the day. One or two inches already, still snowing, and the sky has that heavy grey look about it, promising a good blanket of the white stuff. What is there about snow that excites, attracts? (At least for those who haven’t got to go out in it!). Our pet Westie loves the snow; he runs around, rolls in it, tries to grab it and generally makes his walk a bit of a trial, as though the arrival of snow flicks a naughty switch within him. Looking around, what was black and green, is now covered in white. What were red roofs have been clad in a different product as though made from cotton wool. What was vividly coloured has now become strangely monochrome, with just the odd splash of colour from car lights. All the defects in the world seem to disappear for a short time. New LED street lamps accentuate the whiteness, the comforting orange glare of yesterday’s technology now a thing of the past. The school walking bus, children in their hi-vis waistcoats, chattering with excitement, snowballs abounding (though not in the direction of the teacher, “They have been warned, well-warned”, she told me). Looking around, the sheep have become very dirty all of a sudden; their wool, that was considered white yesterday, now appears a muddy creamy brown. They’re not concerned though, still grubbing away. Hardy animals! Traffic gingerly picks its way through and around icy ruts in the road, trying to get on with work-a-day life.
Snow covers, transforms, makes the world around us a different place. I was reminded of the verse in 1Peter 4:8, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” Without love we look at others harshly, critically, judgmentally, spitefully, in a way that destroys and tears down. But covering others with love is like applying a blanket of snow. It will totally transform the way we see them. It will cover over the defects. So whatever looked black, dirty, unwelcoming, and offensive, instead becomes white and soft, fresh and covered over. What was challenging behaviour somehow doesn’t seem to matter anymore. Out of corruption comes life. Broken relationships are restored.
The other verse I was reminded of is in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” Jesus brings forgiveness, and, coupled with love, the two make an unbeatable combination. There is nothing that can stand in the way of that!
Anyway, it has stopped snowing. Roads seem clear, so can’t delay the shopping trip anymore.
Being a Pilgrim 