God Provides Special Moments in Life
There are some times in life when God puts you in special places at just the right moment. Such an occurrence happened to me today.
We had a beautiful late season snowfall here in the Roanoke Valley last night and into today. It begin with a bang (literally) as there was lightning and thunder heralding the arrival of the snow. It was the heavy/wet kind of snow, one that wraps itself around tree branches like a cocoon and hangs off of pine trees like honeycombs. I took the back roads into work this morning and enjoyed God’s awesome “painting” across the landscape. And for added effect I played “A few of my favorite things” because I do like silver white winters!
On my lunch hour I drove over to one of my favorite spots at a local park to further enjoy the scenery. The snowflakes were huge and I stood on a bridge watching them hit the creek like diamonds out of the sky. They were large enough to cause wide ripples in the water.
About that time a mother and her toddler son walked behind me across the bridge. He was having the time of his life, kicking at the snow and articulating his excitement in childlike fashion. She had a camera and was snapping pictures, trying to get him to look at her. But to no avail. He was more interested in this white stuff on the ground. I smiled to myself remembering my own gleeful times of playing in the snow in my youth…somewhere far far away and in another galaxy.
As I got back to my car I watched them from a distance, continuing with their fun. She would run ahead of him by several feet and then turn around and photograph him as he ran towards her. I could her the sound of laughter and joy – from both the child and adult. This continued for about 10 minutes. As I witnessed this scene the cares of this world seemed to melt away. For however longed it lasted I was in the ‘moment’ and treasuring it. And thanking God for this special “appointment” he had arranged.
At one point the little boy fell. But he seemed unhurt – I heard no sounds of screaming or wailing. If his mom was like my mom when I was little, he was probably insulated very well with 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of socks and 2 coats! And perhaps a plastic bread bag between his sock and shoe (my mom thought of EVERYTHING even if I couldn’t move once she was done!). No doubt it did scare him a bit as he quickly reached for her hand and stayed close to her as they walked back to the car and drove off.
I can’t help but think that years from now that mother will look at these pictures and remember with joy the times she had with her “little man”.
And one day that son will look back and remember how much fun it was to play in the snow and thankful for his mother’s love in providing a wonderful memory. And for recording it for him to forever enjoy.
As I have found in my Christian walk, God often uses daily events to teach me on a spiritual level. So it was with this as it dawned on me about an hour later. The relationship between that mother and son is the type of relationship God wants with us! One of trusting and loving Him like that little boy did with his mother. And He is always AHEAD of us and desires for us to run to Him and stay close so He can take care of us and share His joy with us! If only we would let Him!
God also reminded me that although we live in a world beset with strife and conflict there is also lot of good. Sometimes we just need to stop and smell the roses (even if covered in snow!). Today, watching the snow gently fall and a loving mother and child playing together, I was reminded of that. And it was a beautiful moment in time.
