Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (NIV)

I have always enjoyed the magic of winter scenes, snow-covered fields, frost-decorated branches, sparkling icicles, and the sound of my footsteps as they break through a crust of snow. However, some winter mornings when I roll out of bed and touch my toes to the cold tiles on the bathroom floor, I find it easy to complain about this season of the year. When the temperature dips and the snow swirls around the corner of my house, I am tempted to pull the covers over my head and hibernate for the day. I was entertaining those thoughts one day this winter, when my small dog taught me a valuable lesson — by offering an alternate way of looking at a storm day.

"Oh, that's bitter," I said, as I stuffed Ben Nevis outside for his morning visit. "A good day for us to stay inside," I added as I slammed the door shut on the blowing snow and cold temperatures. Later, when I went to the window to make sure my dog wasn't wound around a tree or my neighbour's fence post, I found Ben Nevis on his back wiggling, wagging his tail, and making snow angels — if dogs can make snow angels, that is!

The scene caused me to reflect on the precious gift I had received that morning — 1,440 minutes — and I could choose to grumble about the weather, or I could, like Ben, greet the day with thanksgiving and enthusiasm.

Today we've been given a precious gift, 1,440 minutes. Today, whether we make a snow angel or not, let's take a moment to give thanks to God for the gift of time.

Prayer: Dear God, sometimes we take our moments and days for granted. Help us to realize that each one is a precious gift from You. Thank You. Amen.

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About the author:

Elaine Ingalls Hogg <authorhogg@yahoo.ca>
Smiths Creek, New Brunswick, Canada
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