Spray-on Snow

Having lived most of my life in the great state of Maine, I know what real snow looks like. I know what fake snow looks like, too, as portrayed on TV and in the movies. And I sure as heck know what spray-on snow is. Hollywood and Wall Street have done their best to make America think that the world is glamour and glitter, but the real beats the fake every time.

It’s mid-March in Maine, so winter is “supposed to be” on its way out. As with all northern states, we understand that “supposed to be” ain’t reality, and we don’t put the snow shovels away until the end of April, at the earliest. Four days ago, we had sunshine and temps in the high 40s; it felt like summer. The next day started with rain, switched to snow, transitioned to sleet, moved back to rain, and ended with a little sunshine. Yesterday, we had sunshine and temps in the 40s again. Today, it’s overcast with a chance of showers. Tomorrow it’s supposed to be in the high 50s, followed by two days in the 30s. Yeah, when March comes we buckle up and hang on for dear life.

That snow we had two days ago, though, that turned to rain in my neck of the woods stayed rain where I work. As I drove the last ten miles into the higher elevations yesterday, the shockingly white blanket that covered the landscape stood in stark contrast to the post-winter browns awaiting the arrival of spring in the low country. Adding to my surprise was the observation that the snow appeared to have been sprayed on. The southeastern side of every surface was plastered with snow, from the ground to its top–trees, houses, barns, cars, tractors, signs–everything. A movie producer couldn’t have done it better. It put a silly grin on my face as I traveled up the final hill to the facility, and I shook my head in wonder.

People like to say, “the devil’s in the details” when talking about the ramifications of fine print or unintended consequences of contracts or other agreements. What I observed the other day, though, was God in the details. And just days before that, Pastor Russell Hamilton commented on the omniscience and omnipotence of God regarding our lives, right down to particular needs of each one of us. Each of us relies on God for every single breath that we breathe whether we acknowledge it or not, and if he gives us that, then surely he can be counted on to work out all the other details, too!

He gave me that reminder with “spray-on snow” that HE sprayed on. His version is the real deal. HE is the real deal. I can provide nothing for myself without the breath in my body that God provides first. That alone should make me bow down and worship him with all I am and all I have, as Pastor Hamilton said in his sermon. The Lord spoke through that sermon, and then reminded me again with that spray-on snow. We are his sheep, the people of his pasture. Do we listen and follow him today?