Here in Tennessee, we had the most beautiful snow in over ten years, about five inches at my house. A blanket of white covered everything and brought a delicate stillness to the landscape. We couldn't see where the yards ended and the roads began. It was pure, reverent, and breathtaking. I took some photos, but no image could convey how magical it looked and felt.
We may get a hint of snow every year, but rarely do I see accumulation where we live. We always hope it will snow one time really good, and this was that time. On the fifth day of being snowed in, however, the snow plow finally made it to our street and I was ready for it to be gone. Nature always speaks to me and I’ll share my snow musings with you.
I realized how important it is to be careful what we pray for, because we just might get it. I went from wanting to be snowed in and loving the snow, to wanting it gone after just five days. For bigger prayers and dreams, we need to make sure we've thought them through. We must be honest with ourselves about whether or not we will still love and want something, after a short time has passed. It’s important to discern the differences between what we really want and passing whims. I’m
glad it snowed, but I’m newly reminded why I don’t live in a snowy climate. Our fantasies about living in Montana one day have been put in their proper perspective.
It’s funny how snow brings out the child in us all and makes age irrelevant. I’d like to say I went sledding, but the truth is, I rode the sled four times down the moderate incline of our own street. Thankfully, I didn't hurt anything, but did the sleds get smaller? I don't remember them being so small. It seems like they’ve also gotten harder. I went back inside and brought out a king-sized pillow to cushion my remaining rides. Age can have a beautiful effect on pride, as I didn’t care
what that looked like. Over the week, we invited several neighbors to use our sleds, including a family who just moved from California. The thrill of snow united us in a special way.
A second, forced hibernation provided more opportunity to take advantage of simpler times. I finished a book. We played cards every night. We tried some new ways to prepare fish and we enjoyed an old favorite—homemade chicken and rice soup. I know not everyone has enjoyed being homebound due to the pandemic, and for some, inclement weather.
It’s easy to wish the days away, and I have done my share of that at times, too. But life is in the present. Anytime we're wishing the days will go by faster is a red flag that we're missing what's good right now. It's a reminder to practice mindfulness and gratitude for everything exactly as it is. Many moments are perfect, even during trying times.
A friend didn't go anywhere for over a week. They assumed their car was stuck, so they didn't even try to drive it. We went to help them and their car pulled right out. How often do we back ourselves into a corner and tell ourselves there's no way out? We convince ourselves that we're stuck and we don't even try to get free. Maybe we believe we are powerless and dependent on others when in fact, we have everything we need to get moving. If that speaks to you today, I hope you will turn the
key, put the car in drive and see what happens. You may surprise yourself.
In watching how long it's taking for the snow and ice to melt, I've noticed it starts from the outside and dissolves a layer at a time. I thought about love and friendship, and how over time, the barriers we put up against one another are gradually softened. We consciously decide to let people in. I also thought about the behaviors we struggle with. Like snow, the first to appear may be the last to disappear. We developed those habits and survival strategies for a reason. It makes sense that the
ones we’ve used the longest are the last ones to leave, but anything’s possible.
I’ve had a lot of gratitude the last few days for the sun, as we melt back to normal. Nothing is impervious to sunshine! We can be like sunshine to all the people we encounter, brightening up cloudy days and melting hardened hearts.
Yesterday, as I sat out on the deck, enjoying the sunshine, I felt so grateful to be back to "normal." However, I don't want normal to ever be "normal." I want to remember days like today, when I thought normal was wonderful. What is great about your normal? Let's name it and savor “normal” every day, not just after it’s temporarily been different.
My heart goes out to those in Texas without electricity, water and available groceries. We have friends here in Tennessee who lost power for five days. No matter what we’re going through, we can always find reason to say grace for what we do have, because that's exactly what it is ... grace. “There but for the grace of God, go I…”
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead, noticing and giving thanks for your “normal,” whatever that looks like in this season.
