God’s gift of snow?

October 16, 2006

By William E. Richardson

“Have you entered the treasury [storehouse] of snow?” (Job 38:22, NKJV).

Snow. For so many children, white gold. It enriches their lives as stuff you can mold into snowballs, snowmen and snow forts. For some adults, it’s winter weather to visually enjoy while for others it’s weather to endure. Yet, for all of us, snow contains hidden treasures taken from God’s storehouse.

Snow’s value isn’t disguised to children because the very sight of it is an instant invitation to play. Snow ignites a child’s imagination in many ways. Including the possibility of a good snowfall causing school to be cancelled for a day or two.

That much white substance piling up calls up less pleasant images for adults. Such as complications getting to work. Perhaps having to make extra time to scoop walks and/or rescue the family vehicle.

An adult’s perception of snow may range anywhere on the scale from “nuisance” to “hazard.” Snow’s treasure content isn’t always visible.

So besides looking postcard pretty, what is the value of the snow God pours out on us from His storehouse? For one thing, snow helps us slow down. It’s one of God’s ways to remind us we need to lessen our pace from time to time.

Another possible reason is thinking one snowflake at a time. I question the statistical probability of no two flakes over thousands of years being identical. God did, however, arrange an incredible number of variations. In that way, each of God’s snowflake designs reminds us how much attention He gives to the details of our lives.

God also sends the snow for practical reasons. He created the seasons and the weather patterns. He knows when to send certain amounts of snow to each location.

Yes, snow is a gift from God. A gift whose value is hidden to some of us. Whatever amounts you see this coming winter, whatever inconvenience it may cause you, try uncovering the blessings God is also sending.

It may be a chance for you to slow your pace a little, a cue to get a fresh sense of God’s presence in the intricate aspects of your life, and a time for you to thank God for His provision of moisture that He knows the earth needs.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.