Snow on Thanksgiving

This is the first year I can remember for some time that we’re going to have some snow for Thanksgiving here in northeast Ohio.  As some of you may know, I’m not a fan of winter.  I don’t like the cold, I don’t like driving in the snow, I don’t like being cooped up inside, but too cold to go outside.  I really just don’t care for it.  But what can I do, short of moving south.

What I can appreciate is the beauty that God has created.  He can turn something less than pleasant into something beautiful.  Despite not liking the season, I can see that it is good.

God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:10

As I snapped this photo, I started to think about those things that I don’t like, but God sees as good.  What things do we see through human eyes as less than pleasant, but if we look from God’s point of view, we can appreciate them?  What can we be thankful for this Thanksgiving that on the surface, may not appear to be worth being thankful for.

• The cold and snow – As I said, I’m not a fan…but who can deny the beauty of snow clinging to the tree, the quiet tranquility in the heart of a heavy snow.  The chance to stay inside with family spending quality time together.  Yes, it can be deadly, but beauty abounds in the midst of winter.
• Aches and pains – As I get older, I’m finding more and more aches that weren’t there the day before.  But when I wake up and feel a pain, I can rejoice that I’m alive.  I can rejoice that my body has given me another day to enjoy life.
• Finances – Financial issues are never fun….but they can cause one to reflect on their lifestyle and see where they have to cut back.  I’ve found that a simple life, is often a more enjoyable life.  Financial problems can show you what is truly important in life.  It can also open opportunities that you may not have seen before, a new job, a new business, a new enthusiasm for a path that God has put in front of you.

There are so many things that can go wrong in life, that dwelling on them can lead to a life of fear that diminishes the joyful life that God wants you to have.

So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves.  You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family — calling him “Father, dear Father.”  -Romans 8:15

What situation in your life that while not pleasant, can you try to look at from God’s view and see the beauty of God’s creation and plan through your trials?

Happy Thanksgiving!  God has blessed us all beyond belief.