Let it snow!! Let it snow!! Let it snow!!

Snowflakes are amazing....each has its own intricate design and possibly it's own dance it does while gliding down through the air. By themselves they bring beauty to the air and can be caught on the tip of tongues.  But when they start gathering, things are "painted" white either with a thin sheet, or a thick blanket.  Some people love to scoop them up in their hands, creating snow balls to be thrown...while others love laying on top, moving their arms and legs to create snow angels.  Together they have been, are being and will be used for making igloos...a shelter from the elements.

But I know there are times when there are so many of them....they make driving almost impossible, dangerous.  When they melt, if the temperature is right...things get slippery.

Winter's just beginning...so....let's just focus on how the snow leads people to sip hot chocolate, or apple cider....when snowflakes signal that Christmas is coming...a time of celebration!

In the same way....people are so much like snowflakes...each one created uniquely. With this in mind, Tuesday...as I was traveling to my violin lesson...I started thinking about  people. 

It started with my dear friend....a snowflake....who, when we met at a coffee company, excitedly shared how she just started taking these Christian Education Classes through the internet...she chattered on and on about the plan she had as I longed for that encouragement...but clung to my fear.  Days, maybe weeks passed until I caught that hope and am now currently on my third book. It was quite timely as soon afterward certain events in my life stormed forward....I'm so glad I had this class to hold me accountable....lest I would have been crushed under trials weights!

Then, to honor my Dad who's now with Christ and to honor my Mom too, I picked up the violin, after I don't know how many years, determined to learn as much as I could....until, one of my strings popped! No worries though because of another "snowflake" in my life who took my violin to be repaired (I don't know how to change my own strings).

That's when my violin teacher, another awesome "snowflake", asked my hubby if he played violin...to which he explained that it was mine..."would she like to have lessons?" Oh yes she would!

Ok....there came a time while I was practicing......that I thought..."why am I doing this?  I am sounding so much better than when I first started...but, why?  Am I only here to entertain myself?"  Momentarily I hated myself...as much as I love playing...as much as I love classical music.....it was as if I was beginning to melt and become a frozen patch of ice!  NO!!

Well, with the class I am taking the requirements had changed and we were no longer required to write papers....to hide behind them....but we were required to create a ministry to where we get involved with people...an ongoing ministry....and apply what we learn from the books to this ministry.  I've always wanted to be a part of visitation.....and on the list of ideas was visiting people who aren't able to get out and about.  My friend who started me with this class and now facilitates it suggested that I do this one.  I WANTED to do this....but the fear of the unknown held me still.

God knew this....so He sailed another "snowflake" into my life who's precious wife is now living in a nursing home.  I asked him when the best time to go visit her would be because I want to play my violin for her.....earlier I had played it for other dear friends and I thought she would so enjoy hearing me play.  "Oh, she would, but so would everyone else!  Why don't you call the Activities Director and set up a time with him?" 

GULP!!

But I seen the excitement in his eyes....how could I refuse?  So that afternoon, I called a bunch of different numbers and set up some times to go play at various places.  I wish a dear friend, and "snowflake" who plays the violin was here to play with me!!!

I felt the Lord tugging on my shoulder.  "You need someone to go with you." The Lord must have heard my thoughts.  He was right...I so wanted someone to go with me to encourage me. "Take this person" another "snowflake", I heard my heart being spoken to.  Peace filled me as I thought about how this individual will help bring me comfort as I play and will help her get out and about.  She said yes, with zest!!  WOW!!

But even before these snow flakes began to fall, I must give credit to two special "Snowflakes"; my parents....who insisted I take after my Grandpa and learn how to play the violin in 4th grade....who made sure I practiced every day...even when I didn't want to...even when I angrily played "Mary Had a Little Lamb"....

The Lamb Who is the Grandest "snowflake" of all...the reason I'm learning to play "It Is Well With My Soul"...

So like I said, on the way to my lesson, I was thinking about people.  If all these "snowflakes" told God they weren't going to fall...that they weren't going to trust Him where He would guide them, I wouldn't be a "snowflake" in someone elses life....."Let it snow!! Let it snow!! Let it snow!!"