Snow is the picture of purity. Snow white is the way you would describe this special color. When the ground is blanketed with a fresh layer of light and fluffy snow, the view turns fluorescently bright. Years ago, we lived in a home on a hill overlooking a nature center. After it snowed, it was amazingly beautiful. Like a Christmas postcard. A silvery brilliance gathered on the branches of the trees and the ground changed to a consistent cottony blanket of goodness. Everything is clean and white. When the sun would shine, it would be so bright you had to squint in order to see.
As the snow lingered on the ground, it would begin to tarnish. The brilliance would fade and become dull. The snow turned gray with streaks of black and brown impurities. The white was gone and what remained was dirty snow.
Then, after a period of time, it would snow again and cover the dirty snow with another blanket of pure white. The scene was beautiful again. Renewed. Back to a brilliant white.
Last weekend, I attended a men’s retreat in North Georgia called Souly Business (link). This was not my first men’s retreat. I have attended a bunch through the years. During the introductions, I was asked why I was at the retreat. I responded, “Because I need to be here”. See, I need a new coat of snow. I need it to be all white again.
Retreats are a great way to get readjusted and reacquainted with the Father. I felt like I have been in a good place lately, but I know that He always has more for me. More love. More life.
As I spent time during the retreat with the Lord, He gave me a glimpse of my selfishness and pride. The dynamic duo! I feel like when I humbly approach Him, and the daily noise is turned off, His love and holiness can make me feel like dirty snow. Like Isaiah in the throne room. Unclean. Still snow- but tarnished a bit. Ready for renewal.
Do you need a new blanket of white? Some ideas-
Get Quiet- Find a quiet place and get away from the noise. We live in a constant stream of audio and visual overload. Break away- even for a few hours, all alone, to spend time in prayer and reflection. He promises that He will be there. You will hear from Him.
Find a Partner- Find a friend who can journey with you. Someone you can share your struggles with. Someone that can help you off load some of your junk.
Slow Down- It’s likely that He’s trying to speak to you but you are running so hard that you can’t hear Him. Prune some activities that are overwhelming your schedule.
Truth Escape- Get back into the Word and a regular prayer life and get reacquainted with His voice. Morning, evening, even drive time audio Bible, whatever it takes to get you there. He’s waiting. He’s a gentleman and you need to make the first move.
I know that I need this time. A time to unplug from this world and plug into Him. There is power in living a life connected to Him. Not because I’m supposed to- because I need it. I need a fresh perspective- a new breath of life. I need His love. I need a fresh coat of snow.
Do you get what I mean here? Do you have ideas that you can share that help you hear His voice? Click on “Leave A Comment” and let me know what you think!
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Leading by Serving 