The snow flew, and it flew, and then the wind blew.
It’s not often that the weather forecasters in Denver underestimate the power of a winter storm, but they did. So Monday night it was me, my undersized Toro snow blower, and 10 inches of fresh white beauty… with drifts to nearly knee high.
I like this. I’m not sure why. But I like it. You can take my lawnmower, but leave me my little Toro snow blower.
Back and forth I go, propelling snow heavenward.
The Toro isn’t perfect. Most often it leaves a layer of snow… good, but not perfection.
You see, snow removal in Denver is a team sport; a partnership. Almost without exception, the day after an all-day snow, we wake to a pristine, clear day. The blue sky is electric, the clouds have escaped to Kansas, and the sun… oh, the amazing Denver sun is magnified in its beauty, its intensity, and its warmth.
This is where the partnership kicks into full gear.
Faster than a bag of microwave popcorn, the sun bombards the remaining layer of snow. Without regard to the temperature, the sun pours its power in full strength in a progressive attack. First the sidewalk, then it sneaks up on the west end of the driveway. As the shadows retreat the job is complete. Once a liquid, the sun continues the unrelenting assault until the surface is dry. Perfection. Partnership.
I’ve come to rely and rest in this relationship. My part. The sun’s part. My job is to expose the surface, the sun’s job is transformation and restoration.
Hummmm, sounds familiar. Sounds liberating. Sounds wonderful.
In every, in any, in total…
My encounters, my interactions, my transactions, my conversations, my presentations, my articulation will never produce transformation or redemption or restoration. But maybe, just maybe, my objective shouldn’t be perfection, but exposure. If my objective is calibrated to removing enough of the top layer so that the power of the sun can fully accomplish what it is capable of accomplishing… then maybe, just maybe, I understand the power of the good news. The power of God’s love. The warmth of His grace.
It’s the glory of God that melts the heart of stone. No power of persuasion or strong-armed manipulation can accomplish what the unconstrained love of Jesus can produce.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ~ John 1:14
His glory. His power. His condescending, redeeming, transforming love.
A partnership. Me and my little Toro; God in His magnificent radiance. I chip through the veneer; God illuminates. Ice and snow are no match.
I am simply, and only, and humbly, and gratefully doing my best so that when the sun comes up tomorrow morning, the snow that remains has no chance.
Transformation is His job. Mine is to steward well the little Toro snow blower.
The power of the Gospel. The beauty of our Savior.
Merry Christmas.
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