Snow Musings

I am a native southern Californian.

The only times I've not lived in southern California were for brief time periods. I'm an experienced driver; on dry roads.

Not long ago we moved to a small, mountain town where we actually experience all the seasons. Driving in the snow has really been something for me. Sometimes I get scared because I can feel my tires slipping. Last year we were blessed to be able to purchase a 4yr old 4WD truck from someone who wanted a new car. I'm finding that 4WD makes things a lot easier when trying to navigate down steep, white with snow (with ice patches beneath) road. But I still sometimes hesitate, and avoid driving all together if possible, when it's really snowing hard.

Yesterday was a stormy day. So I'd asked my teen age son if, instead of me picking him up after school & practice, he could stay the night at the home of a close friend of his who attends the same school and lives down the hill.

Today was sunny so I decided to go ahead and venture out on the snow. The roads around where I live were white, the pine trees were laden with snow sparkling in the sun; it really brought to life the phrase "winter wonderland". And to think, if I'd not finally made myself face my fear and venture out into the snow, I'd have missed all the beauty I was encountering as I navigated the truck along the snowy streets.

As I was driving along I thought about how my driving on snow is a picture of how I sometimes live.

I get comfortable. I get used to doing things in familiar ways. Then something happens where I have the opportunity to do something new - but it's out of my comfort zone. I can choose not to do it because of fear - but then I'll miss out on the beauty and the blessing.

I'm reminded of what Jesus said in Mark 5:24B-26 (MSG):

Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

It's not comfortable for me to let God lead. I almost always naturally run from suffering. Self-help comes as naturally to me as breathing. I like to get what I want when I want it - not sacrifice. This way of living comes easily to me, but does not bring the results I desire.

Only when I chose to let go and let God lead, to embrace suffering that comes my way, to lean on Him, and sacrifice for God and others, can I experience the real beauty and joy in life.

Has God been showing you anything lately about moving out of your comfort zone?