12th December, 2007
Searching for Snow Globes
As a child I was enamored by snow globes. Whether cheap plastic toys with a blue background or glass orbs over intricate designs, I gazed wistfully into the magical miniature world full of wonder. When the blizzard stopped and the snow slowly fell to the bottom, I waited for every last flake to fall before I shook it again.
On our honeymoon almost 14 years ago, my husband bought me a beautiful snow globe. An angel wearing a scarlet velvety gown sheltered baby Jesus. The wind-up music box underneath played Jesus Loves Me. It was an extravagant gift at the time, and not like my practical, simple self to like a gilded knick-knack. Yet this token reminded me of the wonder of childhood on the threshold of married life.
It is, also, unlike me to cry if something breaks, but when the glass dashed into pieces a few years ago, I wept. Mopping up the glittery water, I remembered when a nineteen-year-old girl committed to love, honor, and cherish a young man who promised the same. Some questioned whether it would last. Others warned against marrying so young. But a few believed love is stronger than death.
Now in the Christmas aisle of the grocery store, the snow globes enchant my little girls. A fan blows sparkles all over Cinderella and Winter Wonderland blares through a tiny speaker. All this excitement happens with just the push of button. In motherly fashion I say,
When I was a kid, we had to shake our snow globes. When did they put batteries in these things?
This captive Cinderella either had a blizzard swirling around her or stood in complete serenity. Sometimes I relate to that. My days are a tornado of activity, and the nights are usually calm. I am either in a frenzy of planning and wishing, or quietly content.
I like the old snow globes better. The result of your efforts is plainly seen. The snow can gently fall. It isn’t all or nothing. Perhaps the perfect snow globe doesn’t exist any more than a perfect marriage, but many years ago I bet my life that magic and wonder can endure. I chose to risk love. It is rarely easy, but so worthwhile.
Share ThisPosted at 8:23 pm | Comments (11)
On December 13, 2007 at 6:54 am Andrea said:
December 13, 2007 at 6:54 am
I wish there was a way to mark posts as being a favorite, because this one would be it. :)
On December 13, 2007 at 12:30 pm Renae said:
December 13, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Andrea,
Thank you very much. I’ll stick a star on my monitor. :)
On December 13, 2007 at 11:40 pm Dana said:
December 13, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Excellent entry, Renae. And I prefer the old snow globes, too. I have instructions to make our own which maybe I’ll try…could be a nice Saturday School post, I guess. : )
On December 14, 2007 at 9:24 am Renae said:
December 14, 2007 at 9:24 am
Dana,
Thanks! I found a beautiful snow globe to replace my broken one on the Smithsonian website, but it is not in the budget. I told my husband it would be a nice anniversary gift. He can give it to me when we go on our Alaskan cruise, whenever that happens. :)
If we made snow globes, maybe it would appease my children’s desire for snow a bit. So, yes, please share the instructions.
On December 15, 2007 at 11:55 pm JHS said:
December 15, 2007 at 11:55 pm
Thanks for participating in this week’s Carnival of Family Life, hosted by Adventures in Juggling. Be sure to visit on Monday and check out some of the other wonderful entries!
Have you considered serving as a host? Check out the schedule and drop me an e-mail telling me which week would be best for you!!
On December 16, 2007 at 9:12 am Mom Is Teaching said:
December 16, 2007 at 9:12 am
[...] time of year always has a little magic in it. Renae presents Searching for Snow Globes posted at Life Nurturing [...]
On December 17, 2007 at 1:02 am Adventures in Juggling said:
December 17, 2007 at 1:02 am
[...] Who knew that batteries are not included in snow globes? Renae is pondering the same question in Searching For Snow Globes. [...]
On December 17, 2007 at 1:16 am Moggie Madness said:
December 17, 2007 at 1:16 am
[...] presents Searching for Snow Globes posted at Life Nurturing [...]
On December 17, 2007 at 11:34 am Dandelions and Daydreams said:
December 17, 2007 at 11:34 am
[...] presents Searching for Snow Globes posted at Life Nurturing Education. How snow globes can teach a lesson about wanting success [...]
On December 22, 2007 at 8:01 am Around the carnival circuit this week | Hug Twice said:
December 22, 2007 at 8:01 am
[...] Nurturing Education: Searching For Snow Globes. I didn’t know snow globes had batteries now either. Ah, how old I [...]
On February 15, 2008 at 11:11 pm Principled Discovery » Saturday School: Make a snow globe said:
February 15, 2008 at 11:11 pm
[...] Not the least bit practical…more of an object lesson, really…but Renae from Life Nurturing Education has a “must read” post involving snow globes. [...]