"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 [The Holy Bible - NIV Version]
A Winter Transformed
By Sita Henderson - 2003
Cold and Cheerless…
The bus driver announced, "This is as far as the bus can go, ladies and gentlemen.." and he opened the door to a mass of thick swirling snowflakes. I followed the other passengers, confused, fearful, and in awe as I looked at the huge mounds of snow stretching as far as the eye could see, cars stuck or slowly moving over the unplowed roads. As an international student from the Caribbean, the word ‘blizzard’ meant nothing to me and I did not listen to weather reports.
It slowly dawned on me that I was still miles from home and on foot. Terror filled me and adrenaline began to pump fiercely as I started the slow trudge uphill, following the other passengers. It seemed like moments before my toes felt frozen and my limbs felt like lead. I felt I could not go another step and the snow mound beckoned me to lie down. Hot tears came quickly as my heart cried, "Daddy, Daddy..if only you were here..I would never be in this position…God, please help me..I’m so tired..What am I doing in this cold, cold country?"
I realize as I look back at this experience, that Canada, at that time, had become the epitome of all that is cold and cheerless, the people and the climate. I was unprepared for the cold onslaughts of the winter season. I was even more unprepared for the alternating icy and lukewarm reception I received from Canadians I encountered. My heart seemed to be frozen in response to my environment. Soon after this experience, I graduated from college and returned home to my tropical island, vowing never to step foot in this cold country again.
Warm and Content…
Well, not counting the three winters I spent here as an international student, I have just spent my twenty-second Christmas and winter in Canada. God has clearly shown me that His ways and thoughts were not my ways and thoughts, and His plan for me was, and is, not to harm me, but to prosper me.
As I recall my most recent Christmas, the snow gently falling outside, I realize my aversion to the cold weather has not lessened, but God has given me a new perspective. My apartment is so warm and cozy not only with central heating, but also with the loving aura of my family, my husband and children. I have repented of painting a whole nation ‘black’, realizing that bigotry comes in all shades and is based on the darkness of ignorance.
God has allowed many people to touch my life with His healing grace and warmth, including Canadians and people from many nations. God’s children come clothed in many colors and cultures, revealing so many different parts of His nature. Canada is home to all of us.
There is a new sense of contentment as I rest on God’s loving sovereignty over my life, even in the dreaded winter. I can marvel at the beauty of a winter wonderland, breathtaking in its brilliant whiteness. Our Father has an incredible ‘eye’. I feel so privileged to live in such a wonderful country and even more honoured that God’s wonderful plan for me is unfolding, melting the icicles, and warming me with the knowledge that each of us is of inestimable value to Him.
2 comments:
You new perspective makes me wanna visit.
I am so glad He doesn't let us know His plans all at once. As much as we think we would like to know them, it really is so much better that He unfolds them a little at a time...preparing us in His amazing ways! I am so glad you have such a place of love and warmth to live, no matter what the weather is like outside. :)
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