I am in my LazyBoy comfortable chair, on this very snowy afternoon in Central New York in January 2019. A storm is supposed to bring us a lot of snow, and really, we have not had a “big” one this winter so, we will see if it comes as planned.
You see, there are not many weather events that happen to us in this location that will do anything but slow us down a bit. We do not have to work with hurricanes, tornados, and only a little bit of flooding every now and again. Snow, with all its inconvenience, comes and because it often comes we as Center New Yorkers have learned to work with it and if not enjoy it, at least not let much of it stop us.
However, a big storm, well that is different. Everything will stop. There is no panic, because tomorrow, or at the very latest, the 2nd day, all roads will be clear and most power restored – and life goes at its regular pace. But you see, now at this beginning period when traffic slows down, and most are planning on an evening at home, there is a rare anticipation of quiet in the heart.
Joe has gone to the Center this afternoon to complete some work on the music for his service tomorrow. It may get canceled, but just in case, the music team will be ready. So I am home alone with my electric fireplace going in the corner and sweet instrumental praise music in the background. There is still some light traffic in the bustling road out my picture window, but it will soon be paced slowly, or not at all. It is already so still (the snow muffles all sound) that one can get lost in the quiet. I love it.
So many want to be in the sunny climate, and I enjoy that too, briefly. When the Lord commissioned Joe and me to move to the Northeast in our mid-twenties, we had no idea how deeply we would learn to love it. The people are warm and genuine, and to be able to be in such stillness and beauty, well, it is just amazing and such a blessing to watch and enjoy.
Yes, the cold does hurt when it is really, really cold and it eventually “gets to me” somewhere in late February or early March, but it is still beautiful, and I would not miss it. Watching the snowfall and knowing our Father has made each of the flakes unique is a study in wonder. They are numberless – and so are we, the people of His love – yes, each one of us also unique.
Lord, thank you for the beautiful snow and for displaying your wonder for me today. May each day, although not wrapped in this kind of quiet, find you and then allow you to wrap us in the peace that goes way beyond quiet.
Mannaword 