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| 2014 ski trip to Timberline |
A few years ago on a ski trip bus ride, we observed
how much better everything looks with snow.
"Look
at that pile of dirt."
"How
about that rusted tractor in the yard?"
"Wow,
look at that beautiful road and lake."
"An
old shack, how pretty it looks with snow."
The
shacks, tractors, lakes, and hills looked completely different covered in snow. Why?
One reason is that the snow covers the imperfections. We don't see the rust on the tractor, the
dent on the car, or the mud on the steps.
A pile of rocks or dirt becomes a mound of white. We don't see the dirt
between or underneath. Another reason is that snow makes everything look shiny
and clean. Before it's stepped on, the
road is perfect. Before they're skied
on, the slopes look bright, smooth, untouched and clean. Pure.
Clean. I honestly
can't think of anything that isn't improved with a good washing. Our cars? Shiny & Presentable. Clothes? Fresher & Brighter. Dishes? Squeaky & Sanitary. Our bodies? Relaxed & Refreshed.
What do you enjoy about the beach? Sand, Sun, and
the Surf? I'm showing my age again, but
I enjoy Seashells, Sleep, and the Shower.
I spend a few hours on the beach, sweaty and completely covered in
sunscreen and sand. I play in the ocean even though I'm constantly on shark
watch, then sit under the umbrella and read, but no matter what I do, I'm
filthy, unclean. The same happens after I
work in the yard, covered in sunscreen, sweat, grass and dirt, dirty. After I'm filthy dirty, there's no
better washing. I'm very far from being
a germaphobe, but I do know that hygiene makes me feel better. But that's not all. Washing also keeps me healthy on the inside
and much more pleasant to be around.
Psalm
51:7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow. v 10 Create in me a
clean heart, O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
A plant used by ancient Hebrews, hyssop's (esob -
Holy herb) oil, either inhaled or used topically, was used to ritually purify
and cleanse. In Psalm 51, David pleads for forgiveness and cleansing, confesses
his guilt, and prays for pardon and restoration. British pastor Alexander
Maclaren once said, "The alchemy of divine love can extract sweet perfumes
of penitence and praise out of the filth of sin." (Believer's Bible
Commentary) David didn't wish to be merely sprinkled with hyssop, an outward
rite; he sought an internal change.
We can clean our bodies, dishes, clothes, pets, and
car with soap and water. But our sins are much deeper.
Isaiah
1:18 Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord, Though your sins are
as scarlet, They will be white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
We usually associate scarlet and crimson with blood,
and blood can be removed with good detergent and stain fighter. But Isaiah was referring to scarlet as a
glaring color that was double-dyed and colorfast. Wool dyed crimson was in high
demand for princes and great men. No
effort of man could remove them. Both
were deeply set.
A recent sermon reminded me of the many impurities
polluting my heart and mind. I strive with my own reasoning and give my best shot
to make myself better, to cover my large pile of wrongs with deeds, smooth my
rocky path with dreams and intentions, and sprinkle my sinful heart with
inspirational words from men. Imagine my
disappointment when they're gone, and I'm left with the same stains. That's
when it's time to depend on His reasoning, His forgiveness and His restoration.
My scarlet heart becomes pure white, covered by His love.
Yesterday, one of my favorite 7th graders
said, "When I'm at home, I never want to take a shower, but I'm always
glad to take one at the beach." Maggie Vickery, a girl after my own heart, knows what a good washing can do.
Let It Snow,
Katy
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