I woke up this morning to a world covered in a white blanket of snow!

I live in Redding California, snow is not common here. It was literally only a few days ago that I was wearing shorts for the first time this year. Crazy how suddenly the weather can turn from warm sunshiny days to a cold and stormy winter wonderland.

Today was a snow day. Today did not go how I expected it to go. With the fresh snow covering the ground and more snow falling, attempting to drive anywhere was out of the question. Places were closed and events were canceled. It was as if the world had come to a stop. The world had slowed down and was suddenly filled with a new and unexpected beauty. Everyone, including my sister and I made time in our day to venture outside and enjoy the fresh snow. We went on a walk and made a snowman in our front yard and then let the rest of the day move along at a slow pace.

As I did morning devotions while looking out my window at the snowy world, I read this verse in Isaiah:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

I couldn’t help but think about how there is so much beauty in the unexpected. This verse is such a sweet reminder of the truth that God’s ways, even though they may not be what we want or expect, are always best.

I think of how the snow that I woke up to has changed a lot of my plans for today. And even though I had to adjust and make new plans, I welcome it because the snow brings a special kind of welcoming beauty. A snow day and the memories it brings will be much more precious than the other things I initially had planned for this day.

I also think back on my life and how so many of my plans and the things I wanted, did not come to pass. God had different plans for me and it took me a while to see that His ways truly were better for me. I am beyond thankful for a God who knows me better than I know myself and for a God who has so lovingly and intricately planned every detail of my life.

God has given me many snow days in my life. Days where He has told me His plans were going to be different than mine. And though many of these days have been hard, there has been beauty in each one of them and I’m thankful for them.

So, on this snow day, I’m reminded of how good and sweet our God is. That He uses the unexpected things in our life to bring beauty and glory to His name. I’m reminded that even amidst pain and hardships, there will be beauty, and God is always working, even when we think He’s silent. I’m thankful today, and everyday, for all God’s done for me and will continue to do for me. God is so good, and I’m grateful for this beautiful reminder in the snow.