When it snows in the Seattle area, people go a little crazy. In a good way, mostly. Things slow down a bit. People stay home. Schools close. Kids play outside. Even teenagers abandon their X boxes for sledding opportunities--a rare occurrence around here. We listen to virtually 24 hour news coverage of the latest "Arctic Blast" and hunker down over hot chocolate, which seems to be a necessity in this weather.
I know there are those of you for whom snow in winter is a regular and bothersome occurrence, but in the Seattle area, it's a bit of a miracle. Several atmospheric conditions have to occur in a certain order for the usual rain to become the beautiful blanket of white that is happening today. My son, who turned 16 today, thinks it's just about the greatest birthday present he's ever gotten--no school AND sledding with buddies AND a mom who took him for a driving lesson in the snow.
Early this morning, I was sitting by the tree, eating my oatmeal and drinking my coffee and enjoying the rarity of seeing the tree against a backdrop of snow outside the window. I realized I had a few minutes to just be quiet, breathe and reflect, and that I hadn't been doing that lately in the mornings. Then, I fell asleep. Oh, joy! An unexpected gift of a nap by the tree.
Yes, there are things to do still. There are calls to make, blogs to write, articles to compose, dishes to wash, presents to wrap, clutter to clean up--and yet. Snowstorms like this tend to take me right back to being a child. It's a snow day! Fun rules! Put all unnecessary activity aside and be in the moment.
It's as if God is pouring down forgiveness--covering all the mistakes and ugliness and regrets in a blanket of pure love. Joy to the snow. Peace in the heart. Happy advent.