Winter Solitude

I took this photograph on a January afternoon. The bare trees and faded paint on the barn add a sense of gloom to the winter scene.

As seen in the photo, the farm commands a scenic view of the valley below. One can imagine the work found here – perhaps made more difficult by the unique challenges of hillside farming.

Looking at this photo, there’s also a sense of solitude, as well. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are told that it’s good for a person to find enjoyment in their labor.

There’s a certain beauty found in the quietness of winter. Perhaps, this farm is a reminder that it’s in this season where we may know God’s gift of rest.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Heart-Shaped Pancakes

On Valentine’s Day, many people exchange cards and give heart-shaped candies, chocolates and other gifts that offer sweet expressions of love.  A little angel, a Cherub named Cupid, is said to be the instigator of much of this emotional bliss – as his arrows are said to make people fall in love with one another.

While it wasn’t candy or chocolates, my wife made heart-shaped pancakes for our Valentine’s Day breakfast.  Covered with butter and maple syrup, they made for a very delicious treat.  That meal is just one of the countless examples of love that my wife shows towards me and our son – on a daily basis.

However, there’s so much more to Valentine’s Day than sweet foods and little angelic beings.

There are many legends surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day.  Several of them include different Priests, named “Valentine”.  In many of these stories, these men died as they promoted the ideals of love and marriage.

Think about it!  They gave their lives as they attempted to help others find love.  Their example mirrored another man who gave the greatest gift – His life, for the love of others.  Jesus came to earth to give His life as a living sacrifice.  He chose to die for all of humanity.  It’s an ultimate expression of that love to allow us to have the choice whether or not to accept His great gift.

We live in a world where love is often shown with cards, sweet treats and hundreds of other gifts and trinkets.  In addition, Hollywood wants us to think that love is centered around candle-lit dinners and romance.

Yet, true love is much more.  It is sacrificial giving and forgiveness.  Love is honoring, protecting and looking out for another.  In the end, real love isn’t something that’s quickly discarded and forgotten.  Rather, it’s sacrificial giving and serving – putting others ahead of ourselves.

On this Valentine’s Day, consider the cost of real love.  Know that you’re worth it – an empty grave and a risen Savior proves that.  Now, it’s up to us to show His love to others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails…”  –  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Some Real Grit

Every season offers its own unique challenges and opportunities.  Driving truck in a largely rural area with hilly terrain, winter is by far the most challenging time – especially when it comes to backroads and getting in and out of driveways.  During this season, my truck has the opportunity to become a giant sled – taking me for rides to places where I don’t want to go!  So, being able to see a cleared or treated road is always a welcome sight.

I took this picture not too long ago.  It was on a backroad near where my grandparents once lived.  The terrain, mixed with the surrounding scenery stuck out as being “photo-worthy”.  Unfortunately, the grit made the picture – well, sort of dirty and unsightly!

The sight of that stone and salt combination adds another thought.  It allows an otherwise, snow-covered, icy road to become passable.

Grit isn’t just used to describe a stone mixture that’s reserved for roads or industrial applications.  It’s also a quality used to describe the courage, perseverance and passion that’s revealed in some people as they face challenging circumstances.

When I think of people with grit, images of Bible characters, pioneers, homesteaders and other historical figures toughened by life experiences quickly come to mind.  My thoughts also wander to stories that were told about my grandparents and other family members who had to deal with various, difficult challenges.

Yet, grit isn’t just about stone, or the people who lived before you and me.  It can also describe a passion and determination that God has endowed each one of us with.  Grit may be manifested in some people in extraordinary ways.  However, grit is most often lived out in our daily living and interactions with others.  It shows up in the kindness that we treat others with, and the humility that guides our interactions with them.  Further, that quality is lived out in the integrity that should guide and govern every facet of our lives.  Grit isn’t just courage to overcome, but a passion to do what is right – every time!

While that stone mixture may soil the look of a beautiful winter scene, it offers us a powerful reminder. That grit reminds me of our dependence on the Creator, and the ways that He uses to guide us and others safely home.

Have a great day!

(First published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Reminder of Hope

Hidden on a township road is this scene that I’ve enjoyed driving past for years. The trees, stream and foliage here offer unique views each season – such as with the snow and icicles on a cold winter morning.

As the temperature was hovering near freezing, water was still flowing in the stream.

Many often associate winter with death or sleep. As many of the trees would attest, the idea of rest may be fairly accurate.

Yet, besides the water, there are a couple of pine trees in the photo that still show their color. Since pines never lose their colors due to seasonal changes, they are often viewed as a symbol of life.

For this reason, evergreens often are seen as a representation for the life of Christ, such as at Christmastime. It is through Him, that all things are made new.

In each season, this location allows us to witness different views of the Creator’s goodness. But perhaps, during the winter months, we’re reminded that He is the reason why we have hope.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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