“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Snow fell once again this second week of April, blanketing the exposed patches of grass that gave New Englander’s hope for spring. It feels discouraging even though just a few months ago we were excited about the first snowfall. (Not so excited about the power outage Thanksgiving Day.)
The late snow flurry reminded me of the manna that appeared to the Israelites, day in and day out for forty years. How excited they must have been the first day! Exodus 16:31 says, “The house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey.” Oh Joy! Free food that we don’t have to sew or harvest! Hallelujah! However, after years of eating the same thing they desired something different. Numbers 11:6 says, “…but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.” Their thankfulness disappeared and they began to grumble against the LORD.
I too have experienced a grumbling in my soul, unsatisfied with God’s provision of abundant snow. Through this hard winter God has shown me that I lack thankfulness. His Word says I can have a warm disposition that is independent of the outside temperature. Well, not exactly in those terms but it does say, “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5. How soon we forget God’s provisions. How soon I forget that His grace is sufficient, no matter the circumstance (or temperature). Today I am choosing to be warm. I pray that every interaction is pleasing to the Lord and He is able to warm the hearts and lift the spirits of those who are down hearted by shining His Son through me as I choose to be a vessel of His Son-shine today.
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