Another massive snowstorm had hit
the mountains of my home. A foot and a half of the white stuff had covered
everything. Living on the side of a hill I looked out the window at the task
that lay ahead of me. Two cars were snowed in on the driveway. Paths had to be
shoveled out to the trash bin and newspaper box. A place had to be dug out for
my dogs to walk and relieve themselves. The porches and steps also needed to be
cleared. My back ached already from recent days of shoveling. It felt like an
impossible job. Still, I knew it had to be done.
I bundled up in my hooded coat and thick gloves and
stepped out the door. The bitterly cold wind instantly bit into my face. I
smiled grimly, gave a quick look to the heavens, and grabbed my snow shovel. I
bent down, scooped up a shovel full of snow, lifted it slightly, and tossed it
to the side. Slowly, one shovel at a time I worked my way down the side of the
hill, creating my own walking path as I went. I bent, scooped, lifted, and
tossed again and again. Each step needed another shovel full of snow to be
moved. After a few minutes I would stop, rest, and stretch my sore back. I would
look up at the gently falling flakes, breath in the ice cold air, and start
again. Minute by minute and shovel by shovel I made my way down the paths,
cleaned the cars, and cleared the porches. When I was finally finished I was
amazed that I had done it all. It had taken my best effort. My fingers were
froze, but my heart was warm with happiness. I smiled and thanked God for once
again giving me the strength to do what I needed to do.
This life gives us many heavy snows to dig out of.
This life gives us countless impossible jobs to do. Still, with the strength God
gives us we can get them done. All we need to remember is to do them lovingly
and joyfully one day, one choice, and one shovel at a time. God asks for nothing
more and we should give nothing less.
Joseph J. Mazzella joemazzella@frontier.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.