The snow is falling for the first time this year. Some would say that the dreaded day arrived, but for our family we celebrate that it is finally here. In fact, we make a point each year to celebrate first day of snow as a very special day.
Typically, when I share my love for snow and all of the winter activity, people, even my friends, groan and offer all sorts of disdain for the cold weather/ They remind me of the problems associated with shoveling, driving and dressing. They point out the problems some people have getting out to do basic tasks, and the health challenges it creates for others. They hate the snow and they want me to share their feelings.
People mean well and thankfully, they are honest, but I do not see this part of the world the same way as they do. I love the beauty of snowflakes falling, coating everything from rooftops to lawns with a crisp, clean coating of fresh snow. I see the possibility of snowmen and snow angels. Skiing, snowmobiling and skating become choices on the entertainment list.
I like living in an area where I can experience all four seasons, and of he possible weather related concerns, I would gladly choose cold and snow over some of the more devastating options. In fact, my wife and I chose to live where we do and, just as someone chooses the south or the beach to enjoy the warm days of summer, we chose here to enjoy the beauty of winter.
These differences of opinion, or preference, only serve to illustrate the great diversity that surrounds us. Each of us has our own likes and dislikes, our own dreams and visions, and our own way of appreciating the world. God created us with these differences and, when we see them for what they are, they add beauty and flavor to life. It is easy to let our differences separate us, but we can, with the right attitude, allow them to complete us.
It is appropriate for me to ponder these concerns at this time of year because, one of the moments that powerfully revealed to me the importance of diversity came during the Thanksgiving holiday. For many years, my whole family would gather in Pittsburgh to celebrate Thanksgiving with each other. It was always a very special time, and a great joy to have everyone together for a few days. We all lived in different parts of the country, but it was good to be home and be together.
Of course, Thanksgiving dinner was one of the high points of our time together, and I can remember how amazed I was by the efforts everyone made to include the tastes and preferences of the others. We served turkey and ham, Coke and Pepsi, and even made arrangements to have dinner ready over a period of time to allow people to arrive when they could. Everything was done to make sure everyone was welcome and valued.
To this day, that is the definition I carry of what the Church should look like – a place where everyone is welcome and valued. Our difference should be celebrated, rather than becoming points of animosity and division. I recognize that real community helps us to grow and challenges us to become who God made us to be, but all too often we contend over our differences rather than celebrating them.
So, as the snow falls outside, I look forward to enjoying every minute of it. I also celebrate that others are looking forward to the warm days of summer. Together, we appreciate the fullness and beauty of creation, and in doing so, we celebrate the beauty and creativity of God.
