We’ve had our first snowfall of the New Year here in the Valley, and if all the rest are like the first one, we should be in good shape. Aside from a few minor fender benders and school cancellations, we escaped relatively unscathed. I’m also thankful that I didn’t have to break out the snow shovels as I was able to move the light accumulation with my broom.
Prior experience, however, informs me that I should keep the snow removal equipment (including my back) in good working order as some significant snowfall is likely before spring arrives. Because of that, I have my tools at the ready for whatever may come.
One trick I learned a few years back was to spray my snow shovel and the blades of my snow blower with cooking spray. This quick and easy procedure provides a thin coat of lubricant that keeps the surfaces relatively free of snow and ice and enables them to be much more effective and efficient. And if I ever work so fast that my shovel heats up, I am already prepared to fry an egg.
This relatively inexpensive step takes just a few seconds but can save much time later of constantly cleaning these surfaces during the snow removal process. On the shovel, the coating reduces the weight of each motion and allows the maximum amount of snow to be moved, and on the mechanical blades, it helps to prevent clogs and packed spaces that greatly inhibit the blower’s ability to do what it was made for.
Keeping these surfaces free of buildup reminds us to do the same in our hearts. As we travel through the course of a day, many insults and hurts are often directed toward us. We can either take offense at each one and become angry, cynical and bitter, or we can, like a well-greased snow blower, just let it slide right off. 
While we often think that holding grudges or getting even benefits us, these greatly inhibit our own ability to experience joy and handle the other daily tasks that come our way. If we allow these to stick to our minds, they build up over time and eventually clog our supply lines of love and happiness. The greater the buildup, the less effective we become and the more difficult we are to live with. They also lead to greater stress and more breakdowns that are painful and costly.
The magic spray that we need to apply to prevent these crippling buildups is the forgiveness of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we experience His release from our past sins, He then enables us to more freely let go of our own hurts and to forgive those who were responsible for them. It’s like He coats our souls with the grease of forgiveness and mercy that not only blesses those who may have wounded us, but it also allows us to operate with a freedom and openness that are truly liberating.
In Ephesians 4:32, Paul instructs us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Just as God, through Jesus’ sacrifice, has wiped our sins off His shovel, let us pass that gracious gift along to others.
As we keep our snow removal equipment handy for potential use later this winter, let’s remember to stash a can of Pam close by. And as we spray down the surfaces prior to each use, may we allow this act to remind us to pass on to others the love and forgiveness that Christ has shown us, for their benefit as well as our own.
Happy Shoveling! George