The fairness of snow...

It's a wintry night in Kentucky.  Although the accumulation totals are around two inches, there have been enough gusty winds to produce "white-outs" around the area.  The temperature is supposed to hit nine degrees with subzero windchills overnight.  Did I mention that as of right now...January 31, 2013, there are only 48 days until spring?

Something I have noticed about snow is that it doesn't show favoritism.  Any area where snowfall arrives will find itself...covered in snow.  The snow doesn't seem to prefer one yard over another...or one type of tree over another type.  It doesn't choose to only fall on the clean, attractive or new sufaces.  It simply blankets all surfaces.

I think we can learn from the "fairness" of snow.  Do we find ourselves extending our love, concern and interests to only preferred people?  Do we only reach out to those who meet our personal agenda?  Do we call ourselves family, friends, people of faith...even wear His name...while we only surround ourselves with those who are more...well...like us?  Do we say we care but keep our distance?  Do we offer our time, resources and yes...friendships...with only people who meet our needs, expectations or image? 

Or, like the snow, do we find ourselves simply trying to touch the lives that are placed in our path...with no preferences, no agenda, no image and no criteria?  We simply cherish the contact we have with each one, trusting God to help us reflect Him in every circumstance we face.

I know what it is like to be touched with someone's smile, kindness, concern and compassion. It can be life-changing.  I also know what it is like to be ignored...deliberately, repeatedly and hurtfully.  Unfortunately, I admit that I have also avoided others because I am busy, or I don't know what to say, or I recall how they have treated me. 

Yet I am reminded that there is One who came to this earth for all of us.  Just as the new-fallen snow, He came to touch the lives of everyone who would accept Him.  May I never forget that each life in my path...also matters to Him.  May I live accordingly. ♥~thl

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."  Isaiah 1: 18