I looked up from my work this morning to discover that the snow started without me. I'd heard rumors but didn't expect this! A fresh blanket of the winter herald was covering yesterday's green grass and the tenacious leaves still hanging tight to my Japanese Maple. It's the first snowfall of what promises to be many this season.

Over my lifetime I've witnessed many first snows and I'm always amazed. The changing seasons are constant reminders of the ongoing life cycle; moving from verdant spring to warm summer days to vibrant autumnal color, and into what will soon be a icy, dead landscape. And to repeat all over again the following year.

It has always amazed me that from this frozen death, we find new life. Jesus spoke about this new life and drew upon the same parallel.

"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

John 12:24, ESV

The snow is a temporary condition that prepares us all for the buddying spring days that are just around the seasonal corner. I love the snow for the promise it provides.