Out my window today, I watch the sky in various shades of grey and I see the snow as it flurries, as it squalls, as it gently touches down on the ground and turns everything into delicate white lines. I’m happy to see it and thankful for an ever-changing scene. With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I think of other times and other snows.
When I was growing up Belgium, I was a part of a church youth group. We were a fairly close knit group who all went to the same school and participated in all of the church activities. We were friends and our parents were also friends. We each had our quirks but together we became a pretty close unit. My friend, Martin’s family were co-owners of a large farming property down in southern Belgium. He and his sister were both part of the youth group and they also lived right beside the church.
One late autumn when the youth group decided to have a weekend retreat, their family offered the use of the farm, “La Bicoque”, to us. So the trip was planned. My parents were to be the leaders and both my sister and I were to go along. As the group organized for the trip, my father, who was also the pastor of our church, suggested that everyone bring along their skis and sleds. The area where this farm was located was in the rolling hills of southern Belgium, out in the country where, if there were snow, these items would come in handy. Unfortunately, Belgium does not often get a lot of snow, not like Elkhart County. In fact, when it does snow there, everything stops because people aren’t used to driving on snowy roads. Cars spin out and slide and there is no heavy equipment to sand and salt the roads.
So on this note, my father’s urging us to bring our winter gear was taken with a grain of salt. Interestingly enough, everyone complied laughing at the possibilities. My father, falling into his role as guide of faith, suggested that we pray about it. “God answers prayer. He may not answer as we want but I will pray for snow.” Again, the group squeezed out some giggles and went along for the ride. My father was known to be unconventional in his church ministry and so to them, his suggestion was no surprise.
The trip down was uneventful. We were greeted by the caretakers and found our rooms. We unpacked and got the big house warmed up with a good fire. After a prayer of thanks for the safe trip and a call for blessings upon our gathering, my father added a precise request for a nighttime snowfall. We had a simple but tasty meal around the big wooden farmhouse table, enjoying good bread and soup shared with friends. After a time of reflection and later, some games, we all went to bed.
The next morning, the smell of coffee woke us up. Within the confines of the farm, the world outside seemed muted and still. But when we looked out the windows, we knew why. During the night, a beautiful white blanket of snow had covered the countryside and turned it into another world. My father’s prayers had worked. The unbelievers were surprised and quiet. Before starting in on breakfast, a prayer of thanks was given for the overnight snow and the answer to prayer. And then we all headed out with our skis and our sleds and spent an active morning enjoying our extra blessing. Those who were a part of that group will never forget my father’s faith in the possibility of snow. And as we remember it, laughing, we know that it was a good model of hope. Here is a good recipe to warm yourselves up after a roll in the snow.
Potato Corn Chowder
4 potatoes, diced
4 c. water
1 bay leaf
1/4 t. dried sage
1/2 t. cumin seeds
In large pot, bring above ingredients to a boil then simmer 15- 20 minutes, until tender.
3 T. butter
1 onion, minced
3 T. flour
1 1/4 c. cream
1 can corn
1/4 t. nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 T. each chives and parsley, minced
1 1/2 c. swiss cheese, grated
1/2 c. white wine
In saucepan, melt butter and saute onion until translucent. Add flour and mix well. Add cream, whisking well. Pour into soup and add corn, chives, parsley, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Simmer for ten minutes. Stir in cheese and wine. Heat until cheese is melted.
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