Snow Faith

The weather is usually a safe topic of conversation. Not so in Minnesota in the month of March! The snow banks on either side of our driveway are taller than I am and the temperatures have had a little minus sign in front of them more often than not this winter. I try to avoid taking my little people out anywhere as much as possible and not just because of the hassle of the frigid slippery world out there. These days, I sort of cringe every time I go into a store because everyone is SO CRABBY!


It definitely isn't fun running errands or doing anything that requires being outside when the windchill is below zero. I do feel lucky that my kids aren't in school yet and other than to replenish our fridge, I don't HAVE to go out unless I really want to be social or have a life outside my house. (Which I do!) I admit that if I had to go out every day, I would find it hard not to complain. Yet with fear and trembling, I'm going to say it: the only thing complaining will accomplish is a contagious wave of crabbiness. (I'm ducking now for fear of the imaginary snow balls thrown my way!)

This season really reminds me of faith in a very practical way. Before you think, "oh, of course she's going to spiritualize it," remember how many times Jesus used every day examples to teach a spiritual point. I believe that the spiritual and physical details of life are very much connected; in fact, I'm glad they are because I don't know how we would understand anything "supernatural" through our "natural" eyes.

Anyway, so faith... "is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) Friends, Spring is coming! Just like God's promises are true no matter what, Spring comes every year, no matter what.

How many times have we been in a situation that is just not what we expected; where we know God promised something better but we don't see signs of it anywhere? We watch other accomplish what we wish we could. We feel like we're missing out on something that should be ours. These feelings occur in so many moments of life and we always make one of two choices: to grumble or to hope.

Based on the countless examples of people in such situations in the Bible, as well as all the examples we can see all around us, there's proof that those who put their trust in the Lord have better outcomes. They enjoy the journey and the final destination to a much higher level of satisfaction than those who kick and scream the whole way there. I'm not saying it's easy or even pleasant at times, but as far as tough situations go, I'd say the weather is not one of the toughest in life (unless you're homeless, but I'm willing to bet you're not).

So I hope I don't get kicked out of the State of MN for this. I only wish to encourage us all to help lift each other through, not drag each other down. Feelings are contagious. Even when it comes to something like long winters, let's be more grateful and hopeful! It will make the journey much more pleasant for us all. :)