Ephesians 3:17-18 – I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. (GNB)

We haven't had much winter here in Southern Ontario. It has been one of the warmest on record. Many are thankful, seeing snow and ice as a burden. Others are disappointed that there hasn't been much of an opportunity for skiing, skating, or just building snowmen.

This morning was cold, however. The sky was a crystal blue, and the skiff of snow, which fell as the temperature dropped, crunched under foot. The cold wind brought tears to my eyes, which froze on my eyelashes. This morning there was no doubt that it was winter.

As my daughter and I walked along the road towards the bus stop, we noticed many frozen puddles along the way. Breaking ice on puddles was a favourite wintertime activity for me, and Bethany is no different. She walked over every puddle along the way.

Some were frozen solid. Others had air bubbles trapped under the surface, giving a particularly satisfying crack when stepped on. I was surprised, however, when several deeper puddles still had water beneath their layer of ice.

As I returned home, I realized that we, too, are like those puddles. Some of us are frozen solid, having no love in our hearts. Some are empty inside, like the ice covering a pocket of air, realizing that love is missing in our lives. Others, like the puddles with liquid protected by a coating of ice, still have love in our hearts, but are reluctant to let it show through our cold exterior shell, and we shield our hearts.

We all face adversity and trials in our lives, which could freeze our hearts. And yet some still move through life with love. The reason is God. He is a ray of sunshine, penetrating the cold ice of our hearts. He warms us to the very centre of our being. His love can free us from the most chilling of life's circumstances, melting even the coldest of hearts. He makes the difference.

Ephesians 3:19 – Yes, may you come to know his love — although it can never be fully known — and so be completely filled with the very nature of God. (GNB)

Prayer: Most loving God, as we move through life, we encounter circumstances that would freeze our hearts. Keep us warm in Your loving arms, that, even in our worst moments, we will know that You are with us, making all the difference. Amen.

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About the author:

Heather Morton <morton@kent.net>
West Lorne, Ontario, Canada
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