It has been a cold and unusual winter. The last few weeks have brought snow storms and Arctic air, the combination of which has been difficult to contend with the elements.
And so, the ice dams began forming on the back of our house.
They are stunningly beautiful and most fascinating to watch as they form. The manner in which they reflect the light is brilliant, much like the brilliancy of diamonds.
Each day I would go to our back door to take a peek at them, noticing they were stretching longer in length and beginning to thicken. Then there began the development of a second row behind the first ones which had formulated. This is when I knew I had to get myself into gear.
Yes, they are beautiful and mesmerizing, however, they are also damaging.
Six inches, not an embellishment in the least, and it took chopping away a layer at a time. With a screwdriver in one hand and a hammer in the other, pounding away at the ice, creating a fault line by which to loosen the chunks of ice.
It has taken days of chopping and shoveling to get out from the ice which then developed on the back deck. It has been back breaking, every muscle straining and crying for me to stop, and exhausting.
But the time was not wasted as God brought lessons to be learned:
- Appearances can be deceiving. While the ice was beautiful and admired, it was quietly causing underlying and unseen damage.
- Beauty ≠true value or something good.
- Beware of wolves in sheep clothing.
All of this brought me back to the garden where it all began. We really aren’t much different than Eve.
When the serpent came to her with the temptation to eat of the fruit from the tree which God had commanded them not to partake of, she made two mistakes.
First mistake – she listened to the serpent, entertaining the words he was saying to her.
Second mistake – she looked at the tree and the fruit.
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6, NASB)
It looked good. The sight was delightful. And she took the bite.
That is all it took. Much the way I became fascinated with watching the ice form on our house. Sure it was beautiful and delightful, but … it also created backbreaking work.
Let’s we be wise and heed the words of Paul:
“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, NASB)
May we remember –Â
“All that glittersÂ
is not gold.”Â
Lois Flowers aptly calls it Parking Lot Grace. ““We have to drive defensively, but we can’t live defensively. Not if we want to have a godly influence in a culture where angst and outrage are so prevalent.” So very true. Read her post “A Helpful Lesson from the High School Parking Lot” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
** The photo, taken by me, was the ice which had me fascinated for a bit 🙂
Hi Joanne, you are so right. This past weekend we viewed a house that has the most amazing views… and I was totally absorbed, my heart and mind thinking of all the time I could spend watching that view, and how calming it could be etc. But, there is always a price to pay. High winds, upkeep, compromises to be made, etc. Where I live now, my views are still God given, and keep me focused on Him and His grace. Would I love to exchange my views? Absolutely, but only in God’s time so that He walks with us and all that we cannot see, He has already dealt with.
God bless
Tracy
May we remember our present views are still God given and stay focused on His grace and mercy. I am grateful you stopped here! Have a blessed Wednesday!
What an apt analogy. It’s so true that beauty sometimes hides what’s harmful underneath. How we need to be discerning and watchful.
Your picture and experience speak another lesson to me as well—something that’s not harmful in itself can be when it’s in excess. I have to watch for little habits or pleasures that cause harm when they multiply.
Your added insight is very true, Barbara. Speaking from experience, the ice built up little by little. May we be watchful and discerning. Have a blessed day!
Such a true analogy Joanne, if we don’t address things in our life before they get a foothold it’s a lot of hard work later on!
Blessings, Jennifer
Jennifer, my sore muscles and fingers can attest to that truth. Way less painful to address matters quickly.
Wow. Appearances can be lovely to look at even as they’re treacherous.
Sin crouches at the door, waiting to do us in.
As always, you added yet another truth the ice dams bring >>>> “Sin crouches at the door, waiting to do us in.” I so appreciate each time you share! Have a blessed day and stay warm, Linda!
What a great lesson Joanne. I love when God puts life lessons in front of our eyes to share with others.
Nature gives us so many God reminders and lessons.
What a great analogy, Joanne. We had an inch of ice, then 3 inches of snow on top. It was interesting walking on it as it began to melt as I could feel the “plates” of ice shifting beneath my feet. Beauty and treachery all in one. The photo of your icicles is incredible!
Lisa, your observation on the “plates” was an interesting point. The ice on our deck had to be 6″ thick. Making the “fault lines” was the only way I could begin to break it up. “Beauty and treachery” all in one. That is an apt description and I am so glad you shared your insight. Have a blessed day!
Joanne,
Thank you for sharing these important insights from a real life scenario. He’s always teaching us. And I’m so grateful.
I’m reminded of CSLewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe as I read your story. The White Witch who lived in the ice palace was enticing with her hot mocha and sweet treats, but oh what danger in falling to her deception.
Your post reminded me of how Satan’s emissaries masquerade as angels of light and fishing lures are beautiful. Great wisdom.
Oh, Lord, protect us from chasing all the shiny things!
Paul’s words and this analogy are great reminders. I don’t think I’ll ever look at the icicles hanging from our roof in the same way ever again! They are mesmerizing but can cause such damage and we are always guarded when they appear. Stay warm!
Wise words in a deceptively beautiful season! Please, Lord, help me to see the truth in those things which look pleasing to me and respond as you would have me respond.
Joanne, I had no idea ice dams could be such a problem. I’m sorry the ones on your house created so much work for you, but I appreciate the wisdom you’ve gleaned from the experience. “All that glitters is not gold” is a fitting quote when it comes to ice AND to sin. Also, your link of my post was a sweet surprise–thank you for sharing it!