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Topic: Blessed (11/29/04)
TITLE: Snow Blessings By Teresa Lee Rainey 12/03/04 |
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While the idea of walking to school in snow may seem trivial to some children, my boys moved from an area where school is cancelled at the first sign of a snow flake. They woke up this morning with an excited scream of “No school!”. However, the local news quickly squashed their joy with an announcement of a two-hour late start rather than cancellation.
Fortunately, their disappointment was momentary as Andrew turned from the television and said, “ Well, if we have to go to school, at least we can have fun on the way there.”
It is fascinating to see how quickly children make the best out of any situation. They are now anxious to stomp through the snow on their way to school.
“You boys be sure to remember the school rule today. You can’t play in the snow once school starts or you will get a quiet room.”
“Thanks a lot for the reminder, Mom.” Although I can’t see Tim’s lip beneath his bundled layers, I’m sure he is performing the pre-teen pout. “Andrew is right. You are lucky to get to stay home today.”
“Oh yeah, I’m so lucky to be stuck inside today with housework. I’m so lucky to get to shovel snow off the driveway and try not to slip on the ice in the process of walking out our front door. I’m so…”
“Chill out, Mom. Sorry I said anything. See ya this afternoon.”
Before I can get another word in, both boys are half-way down the block. I suppose they aren’t too keen on hearing me complain about why I’m not lucky to be at home today. They could have waited a few more seconds and let me tell them good-bye. They even left the back door open in their hurry to get away.
As I slam the door shut, I begin to pace and complain. “Lord, why did you have to move us so far away from home? Why am I stuck in snow? Lucky? I’ve never had to deal with snow before and I don’t like it. I was suppose to go to town today for groceries and now I’m afraid to drive. Lucky? Did you see how the car slid a little on the way to church yesterday? I can’t drive on those icy streets. I’m trapped inside this house with a day full of housework. Yuck! What am I going to make for supper if I can’t go get groceries? Lucky? Why did you do this to me, Lord?”
Tears are forming streams down my cheeks as I collapse pathetically onto the couch.
Eventually I quiet down for a moment and a strange peace comes over me.
“My child, why are you complaining? You begged me to make a way for you to stay home for your husband and children . You told me you would go willingly, wherever I sent you. Look out the window and tell me what you see.”
Slowly, I force myself off the couch and peel back the curtain to take a peek. “Lord, I see a neighborhood covered in snow. I have to admit it is beautiful. Hey, I see a snow-plow clearing the road!”
“Look again, Child. What do you see?”
“Lord, I see my reflection. I see a stay-at-home mom. Look at me. I’m pathetic. I’m complaining because you have given me what I asked for. I‘m so sorry, Lord. Please forgive me.”
The snow outside brings an old song to mind and I begin to sing as I let the curtain fall back into place. “Oh, the blood of Jesus. It washes white as snow.”
Somehow the day has flown by, housework is done, and my husband is bringing home pizza. I know my Heavenly Father will protect me when I get the courage to go to the store, but that will be another day.
Right now I am watching Tim and Andrew. They are having a snow-ball fight on their way home and haven’t noticed me yet. I plan to tell them they were wrong about my being lucky to stay home today. I am not lucky. Luck has nothing to do with where I am. I am blessed.
Now let’s see how well I can throw a snow-ball!