Contrasts

Contrast my summer container garden with my winter container garden

This post was from 2014. But, it’s so interesting, I thought I’d re-publish.

Sunday was a Groundhog Day that I’ll remember. The snow started after 8:00 a.m. At first, a few small, tentative flakes, then, gaining confidence, the low clouds threw in a few ice pellets. That done, large, fluffy flakes began falling. It didn’t take long. The ground was soon covered. It was the sort of day to make the fireplace seem most welcome, to enjoy a hot dinner with my family, and have a good visit. So, that’s just what we did. I realize that some people do not rejoice at a snowfall because, after all, there is the other side of the coin–slick roads, cold, wet feet, and all the other problems associated with wintry weather. Just let me say that, from my viewpoint, it was a wonderful, warm, cozy day and I’m thankful.

This morning, I await another round of wintry–something. Freezing rain? Ice? Snow? It’s supposed to start about daybreak and the day hasn’t yet broken. I look out of my window on the world at white lawns and rooftops. One nice thing about a good snowfall–it lights up the darkness. Even the blackest night is not entirely dark because snow and snowlight give shape to things.

The world is full of contrasts: good and evil, light and dark. Last night, I opened my Bible at random and found Leviticus 26. It is a chapter of contrasts and bears a striking resemblance to Deuteronomy 28. The benefits of obedience to God are laid out plainly. They are wonderfully encouraging to read. Then come the results of disobedience. Not nearly as much fun to contemplate. This chapter is a study in contrasts.

The contrasts in Scripture show the results of choice. We choose one way or we choose the other. Our choices involve mindsets and faith. Some contrasts we have no control over–such as the weather. So, in the wee, small hours of the morning, before  snowlight begins to give way to daylight, I wait to see what the day will bring. It is comforting to know that even in the midst of wrong choices or bitter weather, the Lord is with us. He is our safe place in a dangerous world, so I leave with you with my favorite blessing, found in Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

The sun sparkling off snowy trees, February 3, 2014