We are offically having a serious winter storm here in Washington! I dont'think I have seen so much snow in our area as long as I can remember. When you add ice on top of it, getting around has become pretty dangerous. We are all...for better or worse...snowbound! After the initial Hallmark moments have been experienced (baking Christmas cookies, endless cups of hot chocolate, snuggling by the fire with hot cider etc)...it seems a restlessness can begin to settle in as we remain at the mercy of the weather and the unpredictability of it all.
My heart just goes out to all those who are stuck at our airport and train station and can't leave the city to be with their friends and families for Christmas. The news is on 24/7 with images of those whose plans have been thwarted. So it seems a mixture of emotions as another day comes and more snow arrives. Such beauty to be found in the glistening white blanket that covers us all. Yet it seems with the joy and beauty comes a measure of struggle and heartache. Maybe its just a little like the reality of life. I find it is during these times, when we temporarily lose our perceived ability to control our comings and goings, we are given opportunities to release our agenda and receive something deeper. If we can scale over the frustration and helplessness that can often accompany the loss of control and faithfully rest in the resignation, there might be a lesson for us to hear, see or learn. Maybe its a conversation with the stranger you are stranded with. Maybe it will be found in moments spent in being fully present your kids. Maybe even while you help your neighbor shovel out of their driveway. Maybe if you are alone...it will be found in reaching for God in a new way. So I am trying to continue to listen as my own plans are getting canceled right and left and trust that buried in all this white is a measure of hope. Because soon this oppportunity will all melt away. The pace of life will pick back up, normalcy as we know it will appear to return, and it can be a challenge to hear and be receptive to the whispers again. So take a moment to remember what your eyes and ears may be taking in for the first time...and tuck it away in your heart's memory. These are the memories that will serve us the next time the snow falls.
2 comments:
"Perceived ability to control things," I like how you put that. So true, so very, very true.
We're actually doing pretty good being snowed and iced in. Thank the Lord for Wii that hooks up to the internet. And I stocked up on books from the library on Saturday.
Stay warm and safe!
Isn't this storm amazing? I'm in the Portland, OR area and we literally are snowed in. Our cars don't have enough clearance to get down what passes for the roads anymore and .. it's still snowing!!
I like your take on dealing with the adverse conditions continuing after the thrill is gone and plans start to get buried with the snow. I'm thinking hard along similar lines myself.
Stay warm and safe!
Wishing you and all your loved ones a very merry and blessed holiday season!!!
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