Albuquerque Low, November 9, 2024

Nearly 3′ of snow blanketed our property this past week, the first week of November!Appointments were cancelled; Molly’s surgery (our pup) was put off; the brunch I was planning to host with Karen — postponed; school’s and offices closed; no Bible study this week. For 3 1/2 days we lived under the reality of a winter storm warning, an Albuquerque Low. (Google can explain better than me.)

Do we have enough food in the house? What about gas to power the snow blower? What if we NEED to get some place? There was plenty to raise the anxiety thermometer.

Yes, we knew it was coming — well we knew snow was in the forecast. And, yes, we did make a trip to the grocery store … along with the rest of the city. But WOW, it was a much bigger storm than anticipated.

As our storm warning was winding down, I padded from window to door with camera in hand, desiring to capture the beauty of the hard. The blue Colorado sky began to reappear. The sun created lovely patterns on the snow as it shined through the tall Ponderosa Pines. I was awed.

The picture above is one of my favorites. The sky, the sun, the snow, the shadows, the deer track in the foreground, the tip of the small pine almost touching the ground surrounded by many larger pines. So much in one picture. It began to whisper God’s truth. I needed this metaphor.

The small pine was bending under the weight of the heavy wet snow; not breaking. I’m sure as the sun melts the snow from its branches, it will stand tall again. It’s lithe, flexible, and yields. Possibly it’s a Rocky Mountain White Pine. Although surrounded by the more mature, taller Ponderosa Pines, their presence could not keep the storm from influencing their smaller neighbor.

Do I, do you sometimes feel like the smaller pine? Does the weight of the storms of life cause me or you to bend to the ground? Are we flexible enough, lithe enough to recover? Will we yield to what God ordains and trust we’ll stand tall again?

Six truths are grounding me as I’m bending under the weight of this Albuquerque Low.

1. 

   Standing Tall Again

    Remember, Sue, the origin of the storm.
   Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare … the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
   Isaiah 55:10 – “For as the rain and snow come down from heaven …”

2. Remember the purpose.
   Isaiah 55:10 – “… watering the earth, picturing His word … accomplishing God’s purpose …”
   Isaiah 55:12 – ” … joy … peace …”
3. Remember to listen.
   Psalm 19:1-4 – “The heavens declare … day to day pours out speech … their voice goes out …”
4. It’s an opportunity for trust.
   Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots … horses (plowed roads), but we trust in the LORD our God.”
   I Peter 3:4 – “but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart …”
5. Remember God’s promise.
   Isaiah 41:10 – “fear not, for I am with you …”
   Phil 4:5-7 – “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious …”
   Matthew 1:23 – ” … they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”
6. Enjoy the beauty.
   Psalm 96:6 – “Splendor … majesty … strength … beauty are in his sanctuary.”

My heart stilled; my soul rested; I am standing again; I needed to listen.

Copyright: Sue Tell, November 2024

Now available from your favorite bookseller. Devo #18 led me to these truths today. Thank you, Vina Bermudez Mogg.