First Snow

First snow
Freshly fallen
Blanketing, covering the dirt and mess and decay
     Clean
     Quiet

Naivety doesn’t reign here
There is labour with snow
     Dressing warmly
     Uncovering cars
     Clearing paths
Perhaps the greatest labour is practicing patience
With snow comes waiting
     Waiting to do again
     Build again
     Achieve again

With perspective can come a new outlook
At the coming of a new season
A renewal season
For all this is only for a season
On the other side is life
     Light
     Colour
     Blossoms and blooms

With what is on the other side
The cover of snow brings, for those who are looking
For those who will receive
For those who will share
     Hope
     Love
     Joy
     Peace

Hope for what might be
Hope for what could be
Hope for what will be

Love in the offer of cozy gatherings
Love in the memories of those missed
Love in the laughter of memories made

Joy from the privilege of giving
Joy from the celebration of Gift received
Joy from simple pleasures enjoyed – some of which only come with snow

Peace through tables full of welcome
Peace through increased goodwill
Peace through increased awareness of Immanuel 

Today:
     Labour and limits
     Removal and rest
     Layers and lounging

And hope
And love
And joy
And peace

As we eagerly anticipate what is coming on the other side of the snow