Blankets of Snow

We have had a 'historic event' across this nation according to the National Weather Service.  Snow is covering this country.  Can you imagine what this must look like from above?  A pure, white, clean country.  What if this unprecedented weather was a reminder from our loving God that our nation needs a blanket to cover it again, a blanket of purity that is woven with prayer, selflessness, and love.

I know quite a bit about blankets.  We all have our specific pockets of knowledge, and blankets, well, it's one of mine.   

For one I slept with the very same blanket for over 30 years.  This blanket was made for me by a special "aunt" (really a cousin) and had been with me through so much.  Here's just the highlights:  countless days in hospitals, procedures, recovery rooms, sleepless nights, and even the birth of my one and only son.  This blanket comforted me and caused me to feel peace.  This blanket had holes in it, worn, big, put your hand through them kind of holes from being washed what had to have been washed and dried at least a thousands of times. 

I also know about hospital blankets. Warm hospital blankets are the single best thing about being in the hospital for a stay or procedure.  They are soothing, reassuring and relieving.  If you ever need to spend time in a hospital, heaven forbid, and you are asked if you want a warm blanket, YES!  Take it, take it again and again. 

I also know about the specialness of blankets at home.  You know, the special comforter or quilt that you always snuggle in and go to when you don't feel the best.  I have had a few days at home recently resting from an infection that is making it's home in my body while doctors work to determine the course to send it packing.  So, I have spent a few days to say the least at home.  For those that see me on a regular basis, this is not enjoyable.  Maybe a day at home is good, even feels good, but past the first day and it gets to be annoying.  I want to be out and about, not at home doing nothing.  I feel stir crazy quickly and even start to get panicked about what I need to be doing, could be doing, or should be doing. 

Back to this historical event that my son will remember and tell his kids about someday.  This blanket of snow that covers our yard, driveway and road in front of our house should be a reminder to me that God wants this kind of purity in my life in ALL areas.  That word all, well, that is a tough one.  ALL, means everything, nothing left out or hidden away.  The snow doesn't miss anything.  The snow has covered our trees, grass, vehicles, roofs, and roads.  Nothing has been off limits to this snow.  Just like nothing is off limits to the power and supply of Jesus when I surrender to His desires for my life.

Bigger than just my life, I believe God wants our country to come back to prayer.  Not just the "I will pray for you" kind of prayer, but the kind of prayer that costs us our time.  I am consistently challenged in this area of my life.  Maybe I am alone here, but it's easy to say I will pray.  Actually praying is another thing altogether.  Hidden in my heart are the simple words from 2 Chronicles 7:14 that say, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."  I need this healing, in my own life and in the lives of this country founded on the principles of God.

Blankets of selflessness.  Sounds great, the words are pretty.  They sound like the "pay it forward" movement across our country.  Now, do I believe in doing good?  YES!  But if I simple am good, I am stopping short of what God can do through me and even in me.  The selflessness I want in my life should be like the God that sent his one and only son to be born in a manger, to suffer the for the sins of the world, and to be the redemption for my sin.  That kind of selflessness is not easy.  It's hard.  It's very hard.  But, if those of us that say we want to be like Christ would live in a way that is truly selfless, thinking of others before ourselves, living a life that inspires those around us to ask us why we do what we do can you imagine the change that would begin in this country?

Finally, a blanket of love.  Not the fluffy clouds, puffy hearts, rainbows and sugary sweet love.  I am talking about the love that digs in and stays when others walk out.  The love that stands up for those who need it and sits next to those who could use a shoulder to cry on.  This love is simple, steadfast and consistent.  What if we had a blanket of love across this great nation that invited others to feel the warmth, the purity, the wholesomeness and the unending care that God has for us? 

While this nation is experiencing a phenomenon of weather, my prayer is that we have a turning in our hearts for the very revival that could warm up this country and cause even the coldest, most frozen, hearts to thaw and experience the truest Comforter I know. 

Be blessed,
Sarah