An almost full moon hovers over our six degree evening. Winter has made herself at home in New England. Long gray shadows artistically lace across the snow creating eerie art that changes moment by moment. An owl fluffs his feathers while silently watching for a stray creature to satisfy his evening appetite. One would not know a storm approaches for it is still and sounds are swallowed by snow cushions hanging on the pine boughs. Our dog sits by a window on the second floor of the house ever so softly growling at any sign of life. I wonder what she thinks. Are there primal memories from ancestors past reminding her of hunting with a pack on nights such as these? As I enter the room she looks at me as if to say, “Could I please go out? I need to push the snow with my nose and feel it on my tummy as I wade. I have business out there.”
If one listens carefully one can hear my trees creak and groan in the stillness of the coming night. One can stand outside and be fascinated as one’s breath slowly ascends past one’s eyes. The flush of red cheeks is its own elixir. I am reminded of Proverbs 25:13, “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refreshes the soul of his masters.” Solomon reminds us of cold refreshment on a hot day but let us not miss the delicious joy of it on a cold winter night. What a joy to be a faithful messenger that brings joy to our Master. How wonderful if we were always so.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 18, 2011.
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org