When it comes to snow accumulation, Dad always told us to "watch the size of the flakes to know if they'll amount to much." His theory, which has been pretty accurate so far, is that the smaller, finer flakes tend to accumulate the most, while the big pretty snowflakes tend to taper off a bit more quickly.
It certainly held true this past weekend as we watched the fine white snow blow for hours, leaving behind about 8 inches on the ground...not to mention the incredible drifts.
The thought occured to me sometime through the storm, that perhaps the same theory might be applied to us. When we humble ourselves; lessen ourselves by acknowleding our sinfulness and shortcomings, then too our impact on the world or our ability to accomplish the work He has set before us is greater. Certainly when we become "smaller," His graces flow allowing us to better serve and do His will. On the contrary, if we allow our egos to get the best of us, (who doesn't want to be one of those pretty flakes now and then?!) or begin to believe that what we have or have become is of our own doing, we are destined to fall disappointingly short.
Sunday's readings seemed to help make more sense of this...Isaiah, St Paul, and even Simon Peter expressed their unworthiness. And yet despite their former shortcomings, each went on to become pillars of our faith...doing the work they were called to do, and reminding us all that we too are called to be disciples of Chirst.
St. Paul, help us to say with you, "No longer I, but Christ who lives within me."
