Let It Snow

Job 37:5-7, "God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor." 

I sold my snow shovel and my snow blower a month ago. It was like saying good-bye to two life-long friends. We met seasonally but our relationship was one of love and appreciation. But like my lawn mower, my weed-wacker, and my sidewalk edger, they were friends I needed to let go of to move to Oregon. 

I'm moving to Tualatin, Oregon where it never snows. News update:  It snowed yesterday. But...I didn't have to shovel it. It came in appearance only and didn't stay around. 

I drove down through Sherwood to Newberg yesterday and while I don't like shoveling snow, it sure was a pretty sight to see the mountains glazed with the white covering. I found myself being thankful for God's wonderful blessings in my life - an Indiana farm boy winding his way in the hills of the Pacific Northwest, a new church family to love and minister to, a reconnect with a young man from Michigan now living in Newberg, and some new found mentors at George Fox University and Multnomah Bible College and Seminary. Quite honestly, I couldn't have imagined or expected this a year ago. 

I think Job, in the midst of his life struggle, was still cognizant of God's hand in his life through the common graces of snow and rain. As Job said, it is much more than elements; it is the voice of God and a visible reminder of his powerful work. He uses it, i.e. snow storms, typhoons, tropical storms, hurricanes, wind storms, etc...to remind us of his thunderous voice and to give us pause, compelling us at times through stopping or interfering with our daily routine, to remind us of his presence. It's often too bad that we consider Him a seasonal acquaintance as well. For too many "Christians" He appeared but thankfully didn't stay around. Something to ponder, especially at this time of year.  

Not So Different

It's my first day of being a blogger. My second week in the beautiful state of Oregon. Yes, it does rain here but the sun comes out every once in a while to prevent the SADs from coming on to harshly.

I write today with a contemplative heart. For many, our holiday spirits have been dampened by the shooting in the Clackamas Mall. One's initial reaction is generally, "How could this happen?" or "What kind of person would do such a thing?"

My wife and I always seem to get into a "discussion" about gun ownership. Her view is that they should be banned. My view is that if all responsible people carried that guy would have been dead quickly. I am a bit perplexed in my soul when I say such things because I know to take a life is not an easy thing to do. For those of us who desire to live in peace and at peace with our fellow man, the action goes against something internal. It also goes against my belief that God is the giver and taker of life, and outside of the governmental authorities instituted by God and the military, no one should take that authority over another life. The "man" in me, however, says, "lets take care of business." The guy who came into the mall with a bullet proof vest, mask, and semi-automatic weapon was not there to protect innocent lives but to take them. Your option at that point is either offense or defense but you can't say that I'm not playing.

By all accounts he seemed to be a normal guy without any priors and so my comment this morning was, "Unfortunately, I think we are all like him. We all have the potential to 'snap' or to simply make the choice to hurt others. Thank God, once again, for his unfailing grace and mercy." Perhaps its not so black and white -- just shades of grey.