Friends in Christ,
I write this to you as inches and inches, and in some places in our area — FEET — of snow are blanketing all our hills and yards and roads around Reno/Sparks/Tahoe. The kids have had a snow day off school, and with so much work at home in this Covid-year, a snow day is a special treat to get us to wake up even out of our “stay-at-home routine.” So I hope this finds you safe and warm and comforted and well!
For me, the snow has been comforting this week. But in an active way. I had to drive to Fallon to see hospice patients, and it’s been beautifully surprising to see those eastern hills all covered in snow. It’s remarkable to see this common landscape in a new way, fresh features. And it’s lifted my spirits toward thinking about how we all view our worlds, and our lives, and our existence. I find the comfort and presence of God in the times of life when I am surprised by beauty and inspiration. This week, it’s been the snowy hills.
When I got to my visit with a dying hospice patient outside Fallon, they wanted to hear some readings and poetry. We read John 8, where Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
And I thought of how the snow on the mountains makes them shine and sparkle a bit. Everything is brighter in the light of the snow.
And then I offered some of my favorite Wendell Berry quotes. And it surprised me in the moment—lifting us—and I thought of how seeing those snowy hills was a wake up to beauty and strength, moments I needed on my drive out to pray with the dying.
Berry writes,
“So, friends, every day do something
that won’t compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world …
Be joyful though you have considered all the facts …
Practice resurrection.”
I write this to you as inches and inches, and in some places in our area — FEET — of snow are blanketing all our hills and yards and roads around Reno/Sparks/Tahoe. The kids have had a snow day off school, and with so much work at home in this Covid-year, a snow day is a special treat to get us to wake up even out of our “stay-at-home routine.” So I hope this finds you safe and warm and comforted and well!
For me, the snow has been comforting this week. But in an active way. I had to drive to Fallon to see hospice patients, and it’s been beautifully surprising to see those eastern hills all covered in snow. It’s remarkable to see this common landscape in a new way, fresh features. And it’s lifted my spirits toward thinking about how we all view our worlds, and our lives, and our existence. I find the comfort and presence of God in the times of life when I am surprised by beauty and inspiration. This week, it’s been the snowy hills.
When I got to my visit with a dying hospice patient outside Fallon, they wanted to hear some readings and poetry. We read John 8, where Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
And I thought of how the snow on the mountains makes them shine and sparkle a bit. Everything is brighter in the light of the snow.
And then I offered some of my favorite Wendell Berry quotes. And it surprised me in the moment—lifting us—and I thought of how seeing those snowy hills was a wake up to beauty and strength, moments I needed on my drive out to pray with the dying.
Berry writes,
“So, friends, every day do something
that won’t compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world …
Be joyful though you have considered all the facts …
Practice resurrection.”
I Sometimes scripture and grace and the simple beauty of the world almost doesn’t compute. But then there’s the truth of deep joy there too, hidden. I’ve felt it. And I’ve tasted it. And I’ve experienced it this week.
I pray it’s our experience even in the routines of “stay-at-home”; that we might sense the blessing of love that surrounds us in this life with God. And that love would surprise us, leading to joy!
And to strength for all the shoveling.
Blessedly with you,
+ Pastor Shaun