Blinding Snow, Runaway Horses and 15 Years

Sunday morning was a bit surreal, the snow had fallen throughout the night leaving a blanket of powder across the state.  As we drove to church we were traveled down one of our short cuts through the woods which was as beautiful a scene as I have ever seen photographed or painted about Vermont. It provided a dramatic contrast to the 85 degree weather and sunshine of our past two weeks.  It was impossible not to think of my Dad who never saw a new snow fall as a bad thing, he always said it was God's way of showing us that our past could be covered up with God's forgiveness if would only accept the new start that life in Christ could provide.

It was 15 years ago today that Dad died in Vermont while visiting for Christmas.  For 10 years Dad had fought his cancer but on January 3rd with his entire family present in the last days Dad's fight was over.

As we pulled into the parking lot of church we were amazed to see not a single vehicle, because the volunteers could not get there to shovel and plow the lots, church had a "snow day".  We quickly made a u-turn and headed to our old church where we had held the funeral services for Dad.  It seemed a bit ironic that the 15th anniversary of my Dad's death would fall on his favorite day, Sunday.  As we were walking up the steps of the church we noticed two horses running down the road as the snow was falling.  It was, as if, at first glimpse that they were pulling a sleigh but it quickly became apparent that they were "free" just trotting down the road then they crossed over into the village green named for Snowflake Bentley a Vermonter, the first to photograph a "snow flake".

There is a quietness to the falling snow that is unlike any other. There is little doubt in my mind that the more man attempts to control life the more obvious it is that he has no control.  Like Snowflake Bentley's photographs showing that each flake is unique so too are we unique. Each of us must listen for ourselves to the quietness and silence that proclaims Christ's message if we just stop in the midst of a blinding world to look and to listen.  15 years seems like 5 minutes in my life and yes I am selfish to wish that Dad was still here but I know that he is watching the snow fall, the horses run and his family from a much better place.  Sunday was a great day in my life, a day to remember the simplicity of listening for the quietness and all that God promises because I know someday I will see my Dad again!  I love you Dad!