Receiving Snow with Open Hands
Monday was beautiful.
T’was the last official day of break before the new school year was supposed to start, and the rare gift of snow was gracefully set upon capitol hill. When I woke up I admired the snow, but I was not moved by it. I was resistant to the idea of enjoying such a rare gift from God.
Despite all the incredible blessings that God has given us as of late, I was restless. We have lately been in a place where we are behind on finances, and there’s nothing we can do about it. We are in a period of waiting. Waiting for certain money to come in, waiting for someone to take the extra room, waiting for job interviews and replies from job interviews. There was really, truly nothing we could do these regards but wait for God’s provision. However my heart stayed restless. When I am powerless I tend to do productive, yet unimportant things to ease my guilty conscience. I will work simply to justify myself and convince myself that I am a good man because I work hard. Therefore when Luz suggested that we all go out and explore the beautiful snow at the arboretum, I was resistant. However her sheer excitement at the snow convinced me to join them.
Our merry band included our housemates Kelly and Alaina, our very dear friend Kayla and Luz and me. We all took our time, walking down the icy hills; some in boots, some in snowshoes; laughing, oggling and thanking God for his artistry. We got to see some very happy dogs and awestruck children in this world of snow. We saw frozen ponds, cross country skiers, sledders, snow covered flora of all sorts. We created snowmen, smoked pipes, ate snow, took pictures, and skipped rocks across frozen water.
The longer I was out there, the more I was able to release my worries and self justification and just trust. God created a beautiful day for me to enjoy with my friends and my wife, and I was not only free to, but commanded to, release my anxiety and lay them at the foot of the cross so I could enjoy fun and friendship. By the grace of God, my restlessness slipped away and I was able to enjoy one of the most memorable experiences in our new house thus far.
Every month, even though things get tighter and tighter financially, Luz and I have been forced to push further and further into the blessing and provision of Christ. We continually learn that all we need is Christ. All we need is Him. Even if we lose all, we cannot lose Christ, and that is truly enough. Despite all the hardship, my anxiousness is decreasing. Praise Jesus for reformed hearts!
A few days later, I received a letter saying that I’m getting a $1000 refund from my school due to scholarships. Praise Jesus for his provision!
- Cole Bratcher
Prayer needs:
- That we all as a house would continue to push into Jesus and drop our anxiety.
- That Christ will continue to be faithful with his provision and that we would accept it with gladness.
- That Christ will provide us with the right person at the right time (which is hopefully soon) to fill the empty room in our house.
- That we (the Bratchers) will be granted wisdom in leading the house and pursuing a non-profit status, be that with others or on our own.
