It is an early winter morning, and the darkness that blankets my front yard is broken by the glow from a lone street lamp. It’s beam illuminates hundreds of snowflakes drifting to earth just outside my window. I relax into my chair a little bit more, savoring the moment. There are few things so beautiful in nature as a winter snowfall, and usually I am content to observe from afar. A snow scene as a whole is simply white, chilly and pretty. But to analyze snow on a deeper level can catapult you into the mind boggling world of science, and I for one, have never had a strong enough curiosity to seriously study the phenomenon of snow. However, there is one thing that I can take from it that has always fascinated me. That is the concept of individuality.
We are told that no two snowflakes have the same pattern. Each one is unique in it’s design. Isn’t it astounding to imagine considering the millions upon billions of snow flakes that have fallen throughout the history of creation? My human mind cannot even begin to fathom the immensity of that concept and yet, I believe it is true. And just as each snow flake has its own multifaceted and individual beauty, so do we as God’s creation also have characteristics unique to each of us. As it is with snowflakes, no two people are the same. So, of course, we all relate to God in different ways, as well. When I come before the Lord in praise, there is no one else on earth who connects to Him quite the way I do. During those times of intense intercession, I am the only one who prays the way I do. When my life is overcome with fear or grief, there is no match to the way I cry out for my Savior.
Our Creator could have played it safe and made one pattern for us all. Sounds easier, right? Less complicated, perhaps? But no…He made us fully knowing the capacity for praise, love and yes, even sin that we would carry. Yet He still says in
Song of Solomon 6:9 "..but my dove, my perfect one, is unique…" And who are we to be critical of the handiwork of the God of the Universe! Our proper response is found in Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Imagine your relationship with God as a snowflake; special and unlike anyone else’s. Beautiful in a way all to itself. Parts of it may be delicate with intricate patterns, other facets may be cold and hard with razor sharp edges. But each aspect is a detail that makes up the person that you are.
Genesis 1:31 "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." As you offer up your praise for the blessings of the new year, or you bring your supplications before the Lord, interceding on behalf of some person or situation, take joy in your individuality. Worship and honor God in the way that only you can without worrying if it is the currently fashionable form of worship, or that you might be getting stared at. Remember Hannah? Her story can be found in 1 Samuel chapter one. She opened herself up to the Lord expressing her grief the only way she knew how. It may have confused onlookers, but God saw her heart and honored it.
The snow is coming down a bit harder now. The flakes are fluffier and the road is completely covered. But now I am learning to appreciate not just the beauty of the white snow, but also the beauty of God’s perfect plan in creating us fearfully, wonderfully and yes, uniquely.
