God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth.’ (Job 37:5-6a)

             I love standing outside when the first snow of winter falls. I love the cold breeze blowing in my face and white flakes collecting in my hair. I really love it if there is enough to put a light coating on the ground that leaves a trail of footprints as I walk along.

              Being outside in the first snow, I’m not always thinking about the greatness of God, though maybe I should. Oftentimes I’m thinking of winters past, skating on frozen lakes, sledding down steep hills, skiing through field and forest.

              Or maybe building snowmen with my children when they were young or throwing snowballs for my dog who loved to catch them in her open mouth.

              Sometimes my thoughts wander through the year that has passed since the last first snowfall. I think of the highs and lows, and other special moments that I carry in my heart and soul. Friends and loved ones often come to mind, especially those who have passed on in the last year or so, bringing both a smile and a tinge of sadness at the same time.

              All of these thoughts, or none of these thoughts, may come to mind as I stand or walk in the cold, wet, glorious first snow of winter. Whatever thoughts may or may not come, I always feel a sense of peace, “shalom,” that deep, abiding peace in my soul that reminds me that life is good, a blessing, no amatter what.

              In which case I guess I am thinking of the greatness of God after all.