Icicles

“O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and might; what god in heaven or on earth can perform deeds and mighty acts like yours!” Deuteronomy 3:24

It’s a challenge to remember to do this on my day off when I don’t do it first thing in the morning! Between scheduling some drywall repairs and a sink installation, reading a variety of evangelical perspectives on biblical inerrancy, doing the laundry, getting out for a run, and, er, placing a delivery order to Binny’s, I nearly let the day get away from me.

On the way to school this morning, the kids are I marveled at the majestic icicle formations adorning so many of the homes in Oak Park. Torsten lamented, “I wish we had icicles!” Incredulity descended upon the rest of us. “We have icicles!” “What are you talking about?” I gently pointed out that while we don’t have any along the front or back of our home, we have plenty along the southern exposure. “Oh,” he said with delight. “You’ll have to show me when we get home!” Will do, littlest buddy.

The icicles are there. Torsten just hasn’t seen them yet. The words from Deuteronomy could be Torsten’s, for he has only begun to see the majesty of God’s greatness. So, too, for all of us. We see in a mirror only dimly; for the people of God, the best is always yet to come.

Even in this frozen snowscape, the promises of God are discernible. While the water is too frozen to flow, it drips. Slowly, steadily, water falls from water, hitting the ground in a drumbeat of grace grace grace. What other god can do such a thing, turning ice into the springs of life?

For our friends in Texas and elsewhere, may you find warmth and water, and may this winter pass from you soon. God is with you in the ice, thawing the world with the warmth of the Spirit Better days lie ahead.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

O Lord our God, how majestic is your name! How great is your power! How lovely is your grace! Thank you for the signs of your promises that are all around us. Thank you for warmth and safety. Be with those who lack either. Spur us to help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Icicles. Hard to tell, but those are six- or seven-footers.