If you are living in Iowa or the Midwest, you probably already know that this past week has been a unique one. Last Tuesday and Wednesday schools were canceled as we got around 10″ of snow, and Thursday schools resumed. Friday was the start of a blizzard with 4-7″ more snow and wind, which shut down most things over the weekend. Extreme cold set in the next few days and Schools were canceled again Monday and Tuesday. Schools and some other activities resumed again on Wednesday with highs back in the 20’s. I usually associate winter events and schools closing, as that impacts both my work and home schedule and what I can get done during the day. Often, I have a list of things I am planning to do, then it gets totally changed by a Winter event, which can be both humbling and freeing at the same time. What is your response to being blasted by Winter?
For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour. Job 37:6
When the snow and winds blow and we get pinned down in our snug little homes, often our prayers were of thankfulness that we had a warm place to ‘hunker down’ in the middle of the blizzard. Sure all our plans were canceled and we had to bundle up and move all that snow so we could eventually drive and get around, so our lives were interrupted several times in the process. While we were huddling up, others including first responders, snow plow drivers, medical personnel, utility workers, and several others still had to do their jobs so that others could function. For that we should be thankful as well. When lives are interrupted, a new awareness can develop, and either grumpiness or gratitude is often the result. Which do you choose? Instead of grumbling about things we can’t control, let us find opportunities to serve others and be thankful for what we have and for those who help us along the way!
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
Yours in Christ,
Clark
