Good evening brethren, and Happy Sabbath!

A beautiful sight!

Well, we finally got a significant snowfall in our neighborhood this week, around 4 inches worth.  Enough to cover the trees and ground and give us a crisp, clean canvas by which to view things.  Of course, since we just moved here in June, this was our first chance to observe what our house, yard and neighborhood looked like covered in snow.  Quite a beautiful sight!

Not just the sight

One of the things I've always loved about the snow, is the effect it has on sound.  With the rustling of leaves and bushes muted, not to mention fewer cars on the road, things are significantly quieter with a few inches of snow on the ground to help absorb and dampen the sound waves.  This is especially apparent at night when there are no birds or squirrels, and things are quieter in general.  Add to this a full moon that reflects brightly off the white snow and it is truly a unique experience.  An evening walk through the snow has always been one of my favorite things!

Such should be our experience as we walk closer with God.  Proverbs 17:27 (NKJV) says, "He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit."  Of course, the knowledge spoken of here is more than just the 3 R's (readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic).  No, it means a spiritual knowledge.  Knowing who God is, what He is doing, and what it all has to do with you, as well as the rest of humanity. 

Putting into practice

The quiet provided by the blanket of snow is a good reminder of how God's holy spirit works in us.  It gives us a new way to look at life, and an understanding that brings calm to a chaotic world.   If there's any snow left in your neighborhood tonight, step outside and feel the calm quiet that goes with it.  And the next time life gets a bit chaotic, remember that God's spirit can help you feel the same way!