Have you ever felt dumped on?
Last week, Niagara was dumped on. I think we had more snow in one day than we'd had the whole previous winter. It took hours to dig out from under the weight of the snow. It took days before the roads were clear enough to safely drive. My back was sore and my arms were tired, but it was beautiful. We get these dumps every ten years or so. As picturesque it is, I'm done for another decade.
On Monday evening, after digging out our driveway following hours of heavy snowfall, Gary and I ventured out to to assess the situation for Wednesday's Food Bank delivery. The roads were impassible by car, and somewhat hazardous by foot. More than once, I sunk hip deep into a drift as I trudged along the side of the street, trying to avoid the odd car that ventured out. Thank goodness for Gary's helpful hand to keep me steady.
The church parking lot was slammed, too. The plow companies were backlogged as they tried desperately to clear their clients by priority: hospitals and first responders first, grocery and essential providers next, businesses, etc. On a Monday morning, churches might be considered low priority. But the operation of our food bank didn't like a low priority to us.
Have you been dumped on and considered a low priority? Rest assured, you are not a low priority to Jesus. I am a living testimony that he makes beauty out of ashes. In many ways, I was a broken child. Hurt and violated by someone I knew, I felt unworthy and unclean. Often, I wanted to give up on life. My parents didn't know how I was struggling, but they always let me know that I was loved. They shared with me, their hope in Jesus. I knew that Jesus could, and would, overcome everything. I hung onto that truth and he pulled me through some difficult years to the other side. A seemingly insignificant child was worthy in his eyes. Now, I live to worship and praise the glorious name of Jesus.
As I looked at the glorious sunset, I could see the crown of beauty, the mantle of praise, and the Oaks of Righteousness reaching up to the heavens, displaying all God's splendour.
Soon, the dump of snow will melt and water the plantings. May it be so in your life, as well.
...to provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” “Then people will call them “Oaks of Righteousness”, “The Planting of the Lord”, in order to display his splendor. Isaiah 61:3