Blessed to have this view

Winter of 2009, has decided to dig in deep and we are surrounded by a sea of snow here. Beautiful, yes, deceptively beautiful. Temperatures so low they can quickly freeze the skin have been the theme in Western PA this past week. I'm grateful for the view from inside out, and that the one from outside in is brief. So helpless we would be even for a very short time out in the elements, yet God tenderly cares for the deer in the picture above. Their coats don't seem much warmer than mine, but somehow God has made them to survive and thrive. It makes me thankful. I live a life in which I have never been without the comfort of a warm home. My niece returned from China this week and reports that there is no heat in the building where she works, in fact there is no heat in this particular region, full of universities. She wears her coat at work every day. The students all keep water bottles to warm their hands. Such a simple thing which I take for granted, warmth. I am not owed it, nor do I deserve it. Sometimes I ponder whether the comforts we've enjoyed here are a blessing or a hurdle. Suffering grows a good garden in men, and comfort can make us lazy. I'm glad to be reminded that God is lavish in His kindness with the good gifts He gives, and cautious to heed the warnings that comforts bring. Thank you Father that true comfort is not from the warmth of this home, but in You, and in the salvation from the cold sting of sin, that you give to all who would call on You.

2 Thes 2:13 God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.