snow, beauty, and drudgery

i turned in my final paper for my final class today! next week is finals and the end of another semester

unbelievable...

after class i rushed off to catch the red line to babysit
when i left there was a little snow on the ground
on my way back to school, only a few hours later, 5 inches and still falling

beautiful...

the city takes on a different look in the wintertime
and the first snow always makes everything seem clean
the edges of light are softened by the falling snow

i guess there is usually a good side to something and a bad side to something
but as of

right now...

my attitude is light and i am enjoying this change in scenery outside my window
and if you are lucky enough to be outside in the first snow, you are able to avoid what comes

as time goes on...

when the snow turns to slush, mixed with the grease and grime from sidewalks and streets

car horns honking as traffic is backed up for blocks

and drudging through the snow is less than enjoyable

i am reminded of something oswald chambers says (on drudgery):

"we are not meant to be seen as God's perfect, bright-shining examples, but to be seen as the everyday essence of ordinary life exhibiting the miracle of His grace. Drudgery is the test of genuine character. the greatest hinderance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. yet, "Jesus...took a towel and...began to wash his disciples feet...' we say we do not expect God to take us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we do! i must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life hall all the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it."