Snow Day

I wonder if people in the North are laughing at those of us in the South. I know many in the South are laughing at ourselves today.

Today, we have encountered another snow day. The fact that we have had “another” in the past two months is news enough. It rarely snows here. I think this is the fourth snow we have had in about ten years.

Now, this is not blizzard-type snow, mind you. Last month, my house received about an inch and a half of snow. I doubt today’s snowfall can be measured.  I woke up and saw a few small thin patches of snow on the ground and the rooftops were white.

These “wintery conditions” resulted in schools and businesses to close. My company sent alerts to employees that only personnel necessary to restore power should come to work.  

Meanwhile, there are probably people up north who are shoveling feet of snow out of their driveways so they can get to work. I have seen posts on social media about how those in the south are more scared of snow than they are of hurricanes. That might be true.

There is a simple reason for everything shutting down in 20-degree weather with a hint of snow. We are not prepared to handle these conditions.  Some homes up north do not have heaters in their homes. They are not prepared for the heat that we get down here. Similarly, we do not have snow tires, chains, or the knowledge of how to drive when there is ice. Some may even question our ability to drive in normal weather conditions. Our cities do not own snowplows. We do not have the equipment to salt the roads. Driving in these conditions would cause accidents.

Now do not get me wrong; we love the snow. We just never see it. In fact, in three days the temperature will be back in the 60’s.  

In life, unexpected things can happen. Even enjoyable things can change our life’s direction. Suddenly you discover you are pregnant or received a promotion. These things can suddenly change your whole life. We may have been excited about the change, but not prepared for it.

There are also horrible things like disease or the loss of someone you love that can change everything. You do not want these to happen, but occasionally they do.

Whatever life brings you, do not freak out. If it is time to mourn, then mourn. If it is a time to celebrate then celebrate. We cannot possibly be ready for everything that occurs financially, physically, or mentally. However, we need to prepare to be ready to go through the unexpected.

We need to know where our strength comes from to endure whatever happens. Do not let it break your resolve. Do not let it stop you from being you. Learn to adapt to the new situation.

I am a Christian, and the joy of the Lord is my strength. That joy allows me to continue even when things go haywire.

A king had three men thrown into a fiery furnace for their execution, but they knew their strength came from God. They trusted God, and God gave them strength and deliverance. In Daniel 3:26 it says, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire.”

Just as God helped them through their change of situation, He will help you out of yours. Will you trust him?