ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We’re often surprised at another snowfall in March, but it goes with the territory. Minnesota has been known to have all kinds of weather during these spring months – from snow, hail and ice to high temps with extreme humidity and even a tornado or two. The weatherman can be 50% right in his forecasts, but God is still in charge of the weather, and He has His reasons for changing things if He chooses to do so. The painting above was done in 2013.

You can see the newly fallen white quilt of glistening diamonds, fastened to the trees. It weighs on the fragile branches but also gives them nourishment for the coming growing season. White stuff clings to the streetlight, giving off a shimmer as the light filters through it. Fresh snow reminds me of how God describes our sins. Though they be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Jesus bathed us in his salvation when He carried our burden of sin to Calvary. He defeated death and was resurrected as we will also be as we take our last breath on earth.

My grief is weighing on me right now. I have grieved for a few years before my husband left this world to take his place in heaven. I have moments when a memory will trigger some tears, but I am overwhelmed with joy, knowing that he is in God’s kingdom now. I know we’ll be together again when I join him there. Tears come and go. Memories linger as they should. Our hearts will not be untouched by the loss of one we love. Even through our sadness, there is consolation. We’ve already been washed as white as snow.