The first snowflakes for this winter have fallen where I live. The ground and trees are dusted with white. The air is cold and frigid. Sandals retire for the season and the boots come out. Maybe I am peculiar but, though I enjoyed the fall with all the different colors; I am excited for this new season. When I was a kid my brother and I would go sledding together, we always had so much fun. We would come in from outside with bright red cheeks and snow-covered gear. We had this heater in our home that allowed us to warm our feet. We would sit there and lay in front of it with our toes almost on the vent. It was always a good time. Its odd, but I do not think there are any pictures of such a fun memory. Sometimes we take the photos in our mind. Those pictures are always there anytime we think of them. We are always rushing and doing things these days. We take a million photos, though only truly live in the moments of just a few of the photos taken. I will confess, I love taking photos, as I want to capture everything as much I can. Though I must admit some of my photos are from quick snaps of moments, that were hurried moments, as there were more things to do. Do we watch the snowflakes dance in the air, do we stop to listen to the sound of our boots walk across the snow, do we marvel at the wonder and beauty of our children laughing at the joy to be had in the mounds of snow? The enemy has a way of keeping us so hurried, we do not always take the time to be fully present. We do not always fully relish in the beauty that God has made around us. Business has a way of hindering the love we can share with God and each other. How I love watching the wonder of this world through the lens of a child. Unhurried, fully present in that moment and finding joy in even the bitter cold of the snow. I look outside hoping for a snow-covered ground; like a welcoming mat to an adventure that awaits outside. A place where I can be fully in the moment with my children. Whether that be watching the snowflakes dance together, building silly snowmen or gliding down a hill on a sled. That the pictures are not just about the ones I take with a camera, but the ones I take in through my God-given lens and place them in my memory bank, and even better, my children’s. Life is fleeting, age comes quick, time passes swiftly; may we delight in the blessings of each other. Friend, may we be fully present in this hurried life; taking in every moment we can and cherishing the people that God has blessed us with. The first snowflakes fall and I earnestly watch outside my window and wonder; what fun adventures await with those God has blessed me with?

Erin Fitts-Brower

Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil-this is a gift of God.

Psalm 118:23-24

the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

1 John 4:12 NIV

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.