Christmas Quiet

Late afternoon we headed to the frozen mud flats. Heavy low clouds closed in around us. We pulled a sled and two kids jumped in and out of it, circling us with snowballs and laughter. Grandpa is the favorite target because he chases and throws back.

We followed a snowy trail that wove through trees and brush until we left the shoreline. Ahead of us miles of ice covered the deep and silenced the waves. Sky blurred into earth behind a fence of clouds. I shivered in Alaska’s cold.

The vast emptiness whispered, and my soul yearned to hear. How do you stand under such an expanse?

Quiet–We stood without words. Our eyes and hearts, wide open, pressed to absorb the glory. Clouds of dark blue and heavy gray swirled around white peaks. The wind picked up, and the day slid into night.

I cannot describe God’s beauty. We lingered, reluctant to leave.

Walking home, thick snowflakes piled on our shoulders. Children laughed again and threw their heads back. “Stick out your tongue and catch the flakes!” Silliness spilled out. “Who can stand on the sled and not fall off?”

Thank you, Lord. In the rowdy moments, you offer lavish grace. In the quiet dark, you reveal your faithful love. You lay in a manger.

“For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.” Psalm 108: 4-5

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you blessings this New Year – and many good books!

From Gretchen Carlson and all the writers at the Storytellersquad