Winter Sun

There is no news yet on a job. What we have been told is that John is in the running with two other candidates and the interview process with all is underway. We will probably know more in a week to ten days. It seems like a long time. But as with the promise of spring, we wait. There are blessings in the snow too. The season (especially big snow storms) offers a pause in the regular flow of life, a chance to slow down and notice the blessings that surround us that are easy to take for granted.

We are experiencing God's presence. It is kind of like winter sun, always there even when the clouds are thick, when the wind is blowing, and the snow falls heavily. It stays close enough to keep the cycles of life moving forward, doing its good work of letting the activity settle, rest, and rejuvenate for the next season of growth. The weight of snow and ice sometimes break off limbs that seemed strong enough, revealing a weakness that we hadn't known. We remember that a good Father brings loving discipline when we need it, and allows pruning to occur in our lives.

There have also been remarkable words that have come in many ways and encouraged us with their timeliness. They are evidence of His strong tenderness and awareness of our needs.

There have also been gestures of His provision through some remarkable folks. Yesterday we received a card in the mail, with a check. We are grateful for the kindness and generosity of those who sent it--far away friends who have gone above and beyond more than once. It was kind of like seeing a friend pull up, smiling, shovel in hand when your car is off the road in a ditch. You cannot get it out alone; you need help, and help arrives, not begrudgingly, not able to melt off the storm, but willing to offer himself to move a few cubic yards of the stuff and muscle in beside you to get you back on the road.

Many of you have helped to ease the burden of these days. We are touched by the generosity of those in our lives, the variety of ways He has made each of you to reveal something about Himself. Someone reminded me the other night that this is the reason He gives His gifts to us--"Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful..." (1 Cor. 12:7 The Message). Amen.