Snow Storm ENZO

Well, that was fun, wasn’t it? I’m talking about winter storm Enzo. Ice and snow everywhere. Power outages. Five consecutive nights of temperatures in the twenties. And barely above freezing in the daytime. I’ve talked to a lot of people down here, and I have yet to hear one say, “I hope that happens again next week.” Rather, what I have heard more often has been, “I didn’t move here for this.”

Having lived where winter is a thing (Indiana and Michigan from 1991-2005), I have to tell you this. I would have been perfectly happy never to see another snowflake in my life. I have no intention to take a vacation where snow is likely. And I certainly do not want to live where shoveling snow is a regular requirement. No, I’m just not a fan.

And yet…My son and his family lost power for more than a day. They spent one night, and the better part of two days with us. And I watched the girls romp and play in the winter wonderland that surrounded my house and property. We built a snowman. And before it was over they had Papa pulling them around on a TV tray using the golf cart. And lo, and behold, Papa ended up on the tray behind the cart and had a good time after all.

The truth is that there is beauty and goodness all around us, even in the midst of the storms of life. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “In everything give thanks.” Notice he did not say to give thanks for everything. He said in everything. In the midst of our storms and trials we can give thanks, because we know that God is good. He has our best interest in mind. He loves us.

I’ll be completely honest with you. I will be quite satisfied if it never snows again. But if it does, I’ll probably find myself pulling those girls around, making memories, and laughing until my stomach hurts. And I will give thanks to God for the blessings He gives to us all.