Snow? Really, God?

By Maria Johnson, Apple Valley Campus

 As I looked out the window yesterday morning and saw snow on the ground, I thought, “Snow, really, God?”  I have long since moved out the snow gear and made room for all the flip-flops.  I giggled when a friend who moved to Minnesota last year from southern California commented about how much we Minnesotans talk about the weather.  Our Minnesota weather is most definitely a conversation starter.  As I have pondered this winter why we live in this cold state, I tell myself it’s because of all the people I love here, but it’s also because I truly love the change of seasons.  When I think of the seasons in our weather, I think of the seasons in our life.

    We have all experienced various seasons in our life.  Budding times of growth, joys of sunny and easy days, and times when things just simply change.  Most of us have also gone through periods of difficulties that have lasted longer than we wish.  However, it’s in those “winters” of our life when we can learn to draw most intensely on the strength of Jesus.  When we keep our eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”), we are then able to appreciate the incredible joys of “spring” when it comes.  Our heavenly Father is amazing how He shows us glimpses of hope in our tough days just like He allows the sweet, little crocuses to bloom early each spring (even when they get snowed on!).

    Jesus has a plan for each of lives.  He is a God of order which can be clearly seen in His creation.  He will bring it into focus when we continually look to Him for guidance.  He will show us the little blossoms in our life even on our cold, dark days.

    We know these spring snowfalls will melt quickly because we see signs of spring all around us.  However, even if I didn’t see the signs, I want to always see God’s goodness regardless.  I love God’s command in Philippines 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again:  Rejoice!”  He doesn’t tell us to rejoice only when we are doing something we enjoy or the weather is sunny and warm.

    Yes, just as seasons in Minnesota keep things exciting, seasons in our life keep our lives exciting too.  Think of how boring it would be if our weather was 80 and sunny every single day without change?  Okay, maybe we’d like to try it for awhile.  However, our crazy weather makes us tougher to handle extreme cold and move mass qualities of snow.  The change of seasons in our life is how God grows us through multiple challenges.  If we keep looking to Him, He will mold and sharpen us for His glory!  And, remember, God always, always brings spring even after the worst of winters!

    Let’s say it together, “Rejoice in the Lord always”!  (even when it snows!)