What can be more perfect, more pristine than a layer of fresh snow? We've had lots of new snow lately here in Rostov-on-Don and I love to walk through the magic. Its perfect whiteness reminds me that our Holy Father longs to transform our personal landscapes, covering up the ugliness with His sparkling perfection.
Two weeks ago, a mama and her boys enjoying fresh snow, using the sled to transporting the little guy. (Click to enlarge.) Thanks folks for being such willing models.
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Here in southern Russia, snow is beautiful a few days before a thawing and refreezing cycle begins. Soon the winter wonderland is reduced to a sloppy, slushy mess and, once again, the litter, cigarette butts and doggy business are on display.
And that's where the spiritual analogy breaks down. When God cleanses us, He deep-cleans the whole way down. He does more than sprinkle some pretty over the muck and yuck.
Well, here's the same spot ten days later after warmer temperatures: Significantly less enchanting. |
Friends, here's a glimpse into of Russian winter, both pretty and ugly. I'm sharing lots more of the pretty, because after all, we are encouraged to think about the good stuff We read . . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Philippians 4:8, NIV). I'd say that applies here too.
Anything sweeter than a baby? His whole life is ahead of him. |
A car heading home from work, north on Semashka Street. |
Almost dusk on Voroshilovsky Street near the Central City Hospital. |
Pyshkinskaya, a pedestrian-only boulevard some 16-some blocks long, is a quiet oasis in the heart of the city.
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Pedestrians on a side street heading home, probably thinking about dinner. And that's probably be sausage and potatoes. Or pelmeni.
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This fellow's heading north on Semashka, passing МЧС, the Department of Emergency Services, administrative headquarters for southern Russia.
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Two ladies catching up with each other. Perhaps they were once co-workers, now retired and have lots to discuss.
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Hold on, here's some slop and slush.
How about something special to wrap up. Here's a winter view that's made me laugh. Last month in Ternopil, Ukraine, I looked out the church building window after worship and had to grab my camera. Do you see anything unusual?
Someone's being pulled on a sled and that's a common sight. But only for children. Let's zoom on in because that person doesn't look like a kid! |
2 comments:
Interesting pics. Thanks.
Love this walk with you, Eileen! and the correlation of God's love covering us and cleansing us deep down!
Love, Prayers and Blessin's,
cindy b
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