A Thanksgiving Reflection by guest contributor, Valerie Morse.
“He wraps himself in light as with a garment…” (Psalm 104:2)
Travelling during this time of year is a visual delight. There is no boredom on the trip, as the colours mesmerize and draw you in. The same can be said of hikes in the bush, which many families participate in during this ‘sweater weather’. The childhood wonder is apparent no matter the age. We are captured by the beauty of colours falling gently to the ground, feeling so much a part of nature, as breezes cause the colours to swirl around us. It is no wonder that Autumn and the Thanksgiving season are the favourites of many. No hype, no rushing frantically about, just enjoying and being thankful for the brilliant stillness of nature’s display and God’s provision.
Like me, however, there may be a dread at the back of one’s mind. We are only too aware that this spectacle of colour, will soon be swallowed up in white. Memories of last year’s ‘snow-mageddon’, as it was dubbed, caught many by surprise. The thought of high snowbanks, icy sidewalks and hours of shovelling make one shiver at the very thought. Gone is the eye-capturing colour…everywhere a blanket of white.
Is white even a colour? That would depend on whether you ask an artist or a scientist. Classroom walls everywhere are filled with childrens’ drawings of Fall colours. In a box of crayons, all the other colours get worn down…but not the white. It usually remains in tact in the crayon box, unless your child has grasped the concept of blending colours.
A scientist would describe black as the total absence of visible light, whereas white is the presence of all visible wavelengths, combined together at full intensity. Interesting. And an artist uses white to blend, never using pure white in their paintings, as it would look too intensely bright and unnatural.
It made me think of the many times the Bible refers to white when referring to purity. We are told in the book of Isaiah 1:18, that though our sins are like scarlet, God will make us white as snow. In Psalm 51:7, King David asks for inner cleansing that he would be made white as snow. Matthew 28:3 describes the clothing of the angel at the empty tomb of Christ, as white as snow. And lastly, Christ himself, on his return, as told in Daniel 7:9 is described as being clothed in garments white as snow.
After reading these accounts, I am looking at snow a bit differently. While still relishing the breath-taking vistas of autumn, perhaps I should look at the white of winter in a less mournful fashion. Perhaps I should see the unnatural aspect of this white stuff covering the ground. I have heard many people express that the whiteness is so intense it hurts the eyes to stare at it, apart from snow goggles…the brilliance of it.
Yes, I will relish the colours of this season, but I will think on the coming of winter differently. I will try to see the unnatural brilliance of it and think on the Bible references to snow. It will fill my heart with a yearning rather than a dread, as I think on the beauty of our coming King clothed in brilliance…white as snow.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
