by Donna Poole
He knew.
How did knowing winter more brutal than any other was coming for Him not darken His every thought, color His world with frigid foreboding, and freeze all thought of joy? And yet, somehow, it didn’t.
Jesus was a paradox, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3) and yet more joyful than any other (Hebrews 1:9).
Jesus, living daily with the knowledge the cross was coming, yet found Himself a magnet for small children who ran to Him, crowded around Him, and crawled onto His lap. Kids aren’t attracted to a man with a stern, frigid, grief-lined face.
Remember those lines in the movie, Miracle on 34th Street, when the lawyer pointed to the prosecutor and asked the little boy on the witness stand, “Could that man be Santa Claus?”
“No!”
“Why not?”
“Santa don’t got no grumpy face!”
Though winter was in His cry—Jesus warned His disciples He was facing crucifixion—the summer sun was on His face. Children adored Him. I imagine they loved His laugh, I can’t wait to someday hear that laugh myself!
I think of Jesus today when sickness, suffering, and death is wounding many people dear to my heart. I know where He found the sunshine on His wings despite everything. He found pure joy in communion with His Father.
He found it too in His love of nature. No wonder Jesus loved creation; He made everything and holds it together. Colossians 1:16-17
In the loveliness of a created work, we see the beauty of the artist. When I admire a sunset, a flower, the patterns of clouds racing through a brilliant blue sky, I catch my breath at the thought of how beautiful the soul of Jesus must be.
Though winter was in His cry, Jesus noticed the beauty of wildflowers, the helplessness of lambs, and the needs of sparrows. He was the one who taught us, as George MacDonald said, God sits beside each dying sparrow.
Picture Jesus walking those dusty backroads of Galilee, on His way to minister to yet another crowd of needy people, but taking the time to talk to His Father, to notice the shepherd with his lambs, and to stoop and study the beauty of the lily. I imagine at night He smiled up at the stars He had named.
Jesus found joy even as winter grew near.
Yes, my heart is heavy, and winter is in my cry for those I love who are suffering. But I relish the feel of the sunshine on my face. I live in the minute and love the beauty of each tree vibrant with color, because winter is in their cry too.
In His creation Jesus has given us more than beauty to enjoy; He has given us a glimpse of His own radiant heart. When we appreciate beauty and thank Him for it, we find a bit of healing and peace.
Something Told the Wild Geese
by Rachel Field
“Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, –‘Snow.’
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, –‘Frost.’
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly,–
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.”
So thought-provoking, Donna! I don’t usually think of the seasons in that way, but so true. Your writing always challenges me to think differently and deeply!
Valerie, thank you for your encouragement. I hope your writing continues to go well! Sending love.
God bless appreciate your observations of our Lord and Savior.
Thank you, Joe. Hope all is well. God bless.
Donna, I always enjoy the way God burdens you to write. A real blessing to me. I too am always amazed at God’s creation, and that He said that there is a season for everything. It’s just up to us to walk in faith and follow what He has for us each day. I pray for you most everyday. You have been a wonderful example of a faithful follower of our Lord! How are you doing in your walk of suffering? May God continue to use you for His glory.💞
Ann, thank you for you example of faithfulness through the years! And thank you for encouraging me. God bless you richly, I pray.
Ann, you are an encouragement to all who come in contact with you, and I thank you for that. God bless you!
You did it again…… Blest me!! 😊How beautiful your thoughts Donna. I never thought of our precious, Savior with the summer sun on His wings and though He faced the sorrow ahead… He still took time for people… Sick… Troubled people and for little children. He, also cared about feeding people…. And He even cooked breakfast for his disciples..How amazing is our God!
You brought afresh to me…. The joy He must have had whrn in the earth… seeing the flowers etc… And the many stars above in the nights sky to many other wonderful things He created. Like you Im looking forward to seeing Him… And yo hear His voice which shall forever be precious to us….. Because of His great love for us.
Thank you Donna for such a beautiful reading. I’m sure many like me will be richly blest reading your latest blog. Bless you. Hugs
Jenny, I love your love for our dear Lord. God bless you.
I know! Whoever planted it did a wonderful glorious job.
Love this story.
Thank you, Debbie! We had a hard freeze today so must say so long to flowers for now.
Thanks Donna “Back of the clouds, the sun is always shining!” Thank you so much for this article and the poem. In a different vane, we know that we must “work for the night is coming.” God bless!
Fred, God bless you and Rachel! Thank you for the many times you’ve been an encouragement to me!
This is really beautiful really thought provoking thank you for writing
Thanks, Vickie! God bless you.
Thank you for another blessing, Donna. You are in my daily prayers and always in my heart. May our beloved Shepherd bear us all sweetly home, where winter’s blast is never felt and where our hearts will end their cries for all eternity. Praise His holy Name.
Deborah, thank you for your prayers! I just prayed for you. May God hold us close to His heart and help us show others His love, joy, and peace!
Thank you for your prayers, sweet Donna. They are much appreciated. We certainly all need them, don’t we? I love the way you think.