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Dear Friends,
I have to say that while I am glad that the snow has gone and we can all get out and about again and many people no longer feel housebound for fear of falling on the slippery pavements which is a relief, I have to admit that at the same time I do miss the snow.
Whenever I looked out from the manse windows on the snowy world around me it never failed to give me one of those WOW moments when I just marvelled at how beautiful God's creation could be when covered in a blanket of crisp white snow and to think that each and every one of the snowflakes which made up that blanket of snow was unique -not one the same!
However that blanket of snow brought another mystery to the manse garden.
As we went out one day to replenish the bird feeders we saw unusual tracks on the snow. The footprints were very close together and behind each one was a long narrow trail.
Immediately we thought the only creature which could have made those tracks was a rat - or a very big mouse! With each fresh fall of snow new tracks appeared but always looking the same - close footprints long dragging trail behind!
We expected the worst!
Then one morning as I opened the blinds and looked out into the garden what a fabulous sight greeted me - a wonderful colourful scene.
There beneath the trees gathering up all the seeds and peanuts which had fallen from the feeders was a beautiful pheasant - feathers colourful and glossy - elegantly strutting around the garden feet close together with its tail dragging along in the snow!
Then a moment later from under the hedge another appeared! Two beautiful pheasants quite happily grazing under the trees while all the other birds, the rabbits and the squirrels munched happily away oblivious to their presence!
I have to say even with the snow having gone they are now very regular visitors to the garden and it is always wonderful to catch a glimpse of them - more WOW moments.
But this little episode in the manse garden made me think about how often things are not as they seem. Sometimes we expect one thing but get another.
Isn't Jesus a classic example of that!
People expected Jesus to be a certain type of person, who would do certain things, in a certain way but the reality was not as they had thought it would be.
He came, the Messiah and turned the world upside down, nothing was as expected and for all those who believed in him the reality was much better than they had ever imagined!
May your imaginings be grounded in Jesus who gives us all many WOW moments when we trust in him!
Blessings
Caryl
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