The Weight of a Snowflake — December 2017

December 2017 Cindy column

There is an ancient story about a conversation between a sparrow and a dove. “What is the weight of a snowflake?” asked the sparrow? “Nothing more than nothing,” said the dove.

“I was sitting on my favorite branch the other day,” said the sparrow. “It was snowing and because I had
nothing better to do, I counted the snowflakes that fell on my branch. There were 21,487. Then, one more
snowflake fell on the branch, which you say, weighed nothing more than nothing, and the branch broke.”

With that the sparrow flew off and left the dove thinking. The dove, who had been an authority on peace since Noah’s time, thought long and hard on the sparrow’s words. “Perhaps,” said the dove, “there is only one person’s voice lacking for peace to come into the world.”

Sometimes I don’t think we realize the
significance each person can and does have on the world, and what happens in it. We might think we are too old, or too young, or we don’t have enough experience. We might think our soft voice, or our small contribution is not important. But like the snowflake, our voice may be the one someone listens to, or our action the one that will make a difference in even one person’s life. And because of that one small gift, part of the world will be changed forever!

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth and God’s great gift to us in Jesus, may our voices and our actions share the love, justice, hope and peace that Jesus brings.

And . . . speaking of snowflakes, I hope you will all join us on December 17 at 10:00 am as our children and youth share the miracle and gifts of Christmas snowflakes!

Blessings in this sacred, holy season!

Pastor Cindy