Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you. While ye have light, believe in the light that ye may be the children of light.” Jn. 12:35-36
It has been a pretty morning outside with the snow falling. Looking out the glass door, I decided to choose a single flake and to observe its brief journey and life after it landed. There it was, falling so easily, so slowly through the calm and the cold. Down a little, then up a little, then down again. Floating and turning, the little fellow finally gently came to rest on the pavement. Being at the door and keeping my eye on that flake through the glass, I suddenly
decided to go out and examine it closely and to see how long until it melted.
It had a design all its own, unique from the others around it. What a complex and beautiful work of art! It was something that the world’s best artist could not capture. It was a stubborn little guy too refusing to yield to the inevitable and melt right away. When it finally did, to my surprise, there was left behind its transparent, liquid print on the cold asphalt. That print lingered on until another flake covered it.
What a miracle a single snowflake is and what teacher for you and me. This small work of God, unnoticed by everything but Him, is just like us and the gift of life God has given us. Like the snowflake, each of us is created individually as deliberate individuals. We are given a journey, consisting of many updrafts and downdrafts, but ever moving in a certain direction.
I’ve read that the average snowflake’s life can be up to 45 minutes from its creation in the clouds until it lands upon the ground. Ever so brief, yet ever so meaningful. Surrounded by the countless multitudes of others, the flake may not seem to matter much at all. But its unique design, color, properties, and potential DO matter, especially when one needs to drive, catch the bus, or shop in it. It is said the snowflake is the grocery store owner’s best friend!
In the above passage, Jesus is reminding us of the right perspective to have of our life. That each of us was carefully, caringly created by Him. Our existence has purpose. Each of us means something to Him and our world while we are here. Our journey in this world may vary in length but not in importance. Both individually and together with others, we do make a difference to this world. We change things, either for the better or the worse. When we finally disappear, we do not cease to exist; we only change forms to go on forever and ever. When we do, the imprint of who we have been and what we have done will linger on and on.
Like the snowflake, our legacy can either nourish the soil or help provide a slick spot for someone to slip on and fall. Yes, for a little while this light of life is with you. Believe in your light as His Light and walk in His Light mindfully. Then both while you are here and when you fade from this world, you will have been known for what God intended you to be: The Children of Light.
God bless you, and have a great week.
Preacher Bob
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 