Snow’s Transforming Power

Several days ago, we woke to a beautiful, deep snow. For many, snow is common and more of an inconvenience than anything else. But for those of us living in areas where snow is occasional, it is a delight. Here, snow in the forecast is guaranteed to clean out grocery store aisles and send people racing around in full-tilt prep mode. Whether you enjoy snow, or find it a nuisance, snow, even a small amount, has a transformative power.

Calming

Falling snow mesmerizes in a similar fashion to crashing ocean waves. The steady descent of flakes calms and soothes. Falling snow causes us to put aside that which seems urgent: pressing problems, fears, and deadlines, even if only for a while. The world around slows, quieting the noise, and wrapping our souls with peaceful stillness.

Many of us avoid quietness and stillness. We’re a blur of constant motion, moving from one activity to the next. We don’t allow time to ponder, process emotions, and connect spiritually. Maintaining forward motion is positive, but not if you’re attempting to outrun thoughts and feelings you don’t want to take the time to process. Allow a snow day to be a time of reflection and listening for God’s voice.

Covering

Even the most barren landscape, a trash heap, or pile of dirt is transformed by a blanket of snow. Snow levels what is uneven. It re-defines shapes and smooths rough places. Snow brings beauty to areas that aren’t lovely and causes us to view them differently.

Often, we cover our hurts and vulnerabilities, saying we’re fine when we aren’t, plastering a smile on our faces, when underneath there is only sadness and despair.  But as with melting snow, the cover eventually evaporates, and we are forced to deal with the difficulties. Allow yourself to view challenges from a different perspective, acknowledging they are there while seeking creative solutions.

Illuminating

Snow reflects light. The brilliance of sunlight on snow is blinding. At night, the contrast of darkness and light is more pronounced. Snow enhances colors. The azure hue of a winter sky is breathtaking. Birds that are unnoticed at other times are spotlighted against a backdrop of white. Trees stand tall and dark against the brightness of ground covered with snow. Invisible patches of green are suddenly pronounced in a winter landscape.

Sometimes it’s hard to shine light on the hidden corners of our hearts and minds and admit areas that need to be exposed and cleaned up. But once uncovered restoration and healing can begin.

Transforming  

For me, snow is a God-given gift. Snow serves as a mood-elevator, a peace enhancer, and a calmness bringer. Snow allows time to reflect, refocus, and rest.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could find a way to harness the transformative power of snow and utilize it throughout the year? What if viewing circumstances through a lens of snow, redefined, smoothed, and revealed a new perspective? How would life change if shining a light of honesty and confession, uncovered what we’ve kept hidden? Could forgiveness bring restoration and peace?

Today, consider transforming your life by employing lessons learned from snow.

“He sends snow in all its lovely whiteness” (Psalm 147:16a TLB)

©CandyArrington

Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).

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*Portions of Snow’s Transforming Power appeared in a previous blog post.