I just took my dog for a walk through the late April snow. It is sticky and heavy snow. Not the normal snow for our climate. But pretty typical of a very early or late snow, when the temperatures are higher.
Willis was toddling along through the snow, stopping to smell and explore as he wished. His tail upright and a swing in his hips. He exuded happiness. As we walked I watched a young man clearing the heavy snow with a shovel from his driveway. I had just done my walk before heading out with Willis, so I felt a kinship with this young stranger.
Suddenly he stopped and I heard a light thud. I followed his glance and saw another man crouched down behind a car closer to the house. Immediately this young man dropped his shovel and bent over. He crouched down and smoothly shaped a ball with the snow. He waited until the other man peeped over the car and then he threw it with careful aim. Soon there was a volley of snow balls and laughter.
This brought me so much joy. There is something universally fun about a snow ball fight. It brings out the child in us, even if we are just an observer.
We forget to play. In the seriousness and darkness and struggle in life we forget to play. I have been very guilty of this. I allowed the struggles of life to choke out the joy. But the joy is there, we just have to watch for it and be willing to participate. Whether in watching a spontaneous snowball fight or walking with my ridiculous little dog, God is in the details. Joy can be found in the moment.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Roberta Writes 