Tonight I am watching my woods fill up with snow. My dog does not think it strange for me to stand here. And I have no promises to keep before I sleep. Sorry Robert Frost. I could not resist. But like Frost I am filled with awe at the rugged beauty of tree arms holding snow instead of leaves. Under the white blanket myriads of furred creatures sleep with their noses tucked in for a long winter’s nap. Chickadees, tufted titmice, juncos, gold finches, cardinals, blue jays and woodpeckers filled up in anticipation of a muffled night of softness. It’s a sweet thing to be tucked in on a New England night with the crackling of the fire and the shimmering shadows on wooden walls.
These are times when all I wish to do is thank all my friends for their care. My family for their love and my Jesus for His promises that not only will this never end but it will grow better as millennia pass. How can it be that it is so difficult to spread the Gospel? I am not only thinking about people whose lives are so busy they can’t pause to ponder the joys. But I am thinking of those who have grown up thinking they are Christians and yet still harbor doubts of their salvation.
The only conclusion I can come to is it is just too good to be true and we are told when something is too good to be true it isn’t true. But in this case it is all true. The Gift of God is eternal life. According to the dictionary a gift is “something given to somebody, usually in order to provide pleasure or to show gratitude.” Jesus said, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 30, 2016
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