I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
(Psalm 50: 11)
Just a few days ago I was posting about the near arrival of springtime. Today we are experiencing a major snow storm. Love it or hate it, who can deny the beauty of fresh falling snow blanketing the landscape?
Too distracted by the snow to be productive with my work, I spent a good part of the morning snapping photos and watching the birds. The photo above is one I took this morning of the little creek that runs by my house.
Fortunately, working from home, and being self-employed, allows me the freedom to take time off. Obviously, when I’m not working I’m not making money, but I always try to remember how short life is. If we don’t take the time to do the things we enjoy, we may never get the chance. This may be the last snow of the year, so I declared a snow day for myself today!
I watched the snow falling, enjoyed the bounty of birds at my feeders, and captured some great photos. God’s creation is always amazing. It never gets old.
The winds have picked up this evening and the snow is blowing and drifting. It’s the perfect night for wrapping up in a blanket with a steaming mug of tea and a good book. The simplest things in life truly are the best things, and I’m grateful for the blessing of snow days.
The Canadian geese have returned to the pond, trees are beginning to bud, and the tulips and daffodils are peeking out from the barren ground – all signaling the nearness of a new season here in the mountain.
I love the spring season and the newness of life it brings. One of my favorite passages of scripture points to the arrival of springtime.
Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in the land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. (Song of Songs 2: 10-13)
What a beautiful passage of scripture filled with new life, hope, and an invitation to come away. While the Song of Songs is about the romantic relationship between a bride and his bridegroom, it has also been used as a secondary application to Christ and His bride, the church.
Christ desires for us to come away, spend time with him, and grow closer to him. I like to block out entire mornings or afternoons, and at times an entire day, and schedule a date with God. I go for a walk in the woods, sit by the pond, and simply enjoy being in the presence of God. No cell phone. No TV. No internet. I read my Bible, pray, and listen to praise and worship music on my iPod. I always came away from those special dates with a renewed faith and tremendous blessing.
It’s been a long time since I’ve taken the time to do that, and I miss it. I’m blocking out a date with God in my planner soon!
Amazing things await us when we heed God’s call to come away. The winter is nearly past and signs of spring are everywhere. God is waiting to fill us with joy in his presence if we simply answer the call.
Will you answer his call today? Whether you have only a half hour or an entire day, time spent with God, minus all the distractions of technology and life, is the best way to refresh your tired and weary soul.