Two Sides of a Snowstorm
How much snow did you get yesterday?
As adults, we see every inch for the work it'll take to clear off of our sidewalks, driveways, and roads. We know that slippery roads lead to slow commutes and accidents. We think of all the lost productivity from co-workers who run late or need to leave early to pick up kids when the schools close. We see each falling degree of temperature as another dollar to spend on heating.
But that's just one perspective. Think of how you viewed snowstorms as a child, or if you have young children, how they view it. Inches of snow didn't mean backbreaking shoveling, but new material with which to build a snowman or snow fort. A fresh blanket of white powder was a new canvas for outdoor games. Wet snow wasn't "heart-attack" snow that meant you dreaded shoveling, but perfect for making snowballs.
All of this is not to say that snowstorms are always wonderful things. Traffic is terrible, shoveling is tiring, and we still need to get to work or school. However, sometimes we can stop and look at things from a different angle. This new perspective can help us appreciate the gifts we've been given, even in times of difficulty.
Take a moment to enjoy the little joys of a snowstorm. Go for a winter walk with your loved ones, who will keep you warmer just by their conversation. Watch your dog run through the backyard, eating the fresh snow. Make a snow angel. Toss around a couple of snowballs. Let yourself enjoy these moments.
My personal favorite experience is at night, after the storm has left, when the air is still and the stars twinkle in the clear, dark sky. The snow, fresh and unwrinkled, glistens in the moonlight. The thick powder seems to muffle the rest of the world, and all is silent.
Soon, I'll need to go inside. To warm up, make dinner, and start hanging the ornaments on the Christmas tree. But for just a moment, I take it all in and appreciate the moment.
As adults, we see every inch for the work it'll take to clear off of our sidewalks, driveways, and roads. We know that slippery roads lead to slow commutes and accidents. We think of all the lost productivity from co-workers who run late or need to leave early to pick up kids when the schools close. We see each falling degree of temperature as another dollar to spend on heating.
But that's just one perspective. Think of how you viewed snowstorms as a child, or if you have young children, how they view it. Inches of snow didn't mean backbreaking shoveling, but new material with which to build a snowman or snow fort. A fresh blanket of white powder was a new canvas for outdoor games. Wet snow wasn't "heart-attack" snow that meant you dreaded shoveling, but perfect for making snowballs.
All of this is not to say that snowstorms are always wonderful things. Traffic is terrible, shoveling is tiring, and we still need to get to work or school. However, sometimes we can stop and look at things from a different angle. This new perspective can help us appreciate the gifts we've been given, even in times of difficulty.
Take a moment to enjoy the little joys of a snowstorm. Go for a winter walk with your loved ones, who will keep you warmer just by their conversation. Watch your dog run through the backyard, eating the fresh snow. Make a snow angel. Toss around a couple of snowballs. Let yourself enjoy these moments.
My personal favorite experience is at night, after the storm has left, when the air is still and the stars twinkle in the clear, dark sky. The snow, fresh and unwrinkled, glistens in the moonlight. The thick powder seems to muffle the rest of the world, and all is silent.
Soon, I'll need to go inside. To warm up, make dinner, and start hanging the ornaments on the Christmas tree. But for just a moment, I take it all in and appreciate the moment.
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Day Camp Registration OpenNext Inspired Life Speaker: Rev. Hannah Campbell GustafsonJanuary Wellness Focus: Financial WellnessBeautiful Souls Grief Support GroupCelebrate Black Composers Concert with Mill City String QuartetFinal Inspired Life: Building Mental Wellness Together SpeakerOrdinary Time at Camp HouseTwin Cities Plastic-Free ChallengeFebruary 2024 Newsletter
February
March
2023
January
March
March Wellness Focus: Spiritual WellnessDay Camp at All SaintsDonate for Easter FlowersWork in Progress: Redo, Rewrite, Restore - Kids Connection for MarchClara Schumann PiecesPB&J (Pizza, Beverage & Justice) NightMarch PlaydateIntergenerational Serving at Feed My Starving ChildrenInspired Life Series: Ann PierceBehold the Darkness - Good Friday CantataAll Saints Increasing Partnership with ICAJoin Our Dedicated VolunteersThe Road: Featured Guest Alison YoungHoly Week ServicesCommunity Garden - Kids Connection for April
April
April 2023 NewsletterJoin Us for Our Easter EggstravaganzaLearn About Mental Health Connect ResourcesApril Wellness Focus: Intellectual WellnessApril PlaydateInspired Life Series: Beth DooleyRev. Kelly Chatman on April 30Thank You from ICAIntergenerational Serving Event this SaturdayInspired Life Series: Erin SharkeyStaff NewsMen's Breakfast Group ResumesUrban Ventures Spring Clean-Up DayParents Night Out - MayMental Health Connect Stories of Hope Breakfast
May
May 2023 NewsletterWhat is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?May Wellness Focus: Physical WellnessSaints on Bikes Are Rolling Again!Raise Your Game - Kids Connection for MayMay PlaydateWhy is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebrated in May?Help Host Counselors During Day CampRainflower Project#MoreThanEnoughInspired Life Series: Rudi HargesheimerHow does the ELCA support multicultural ministries including those for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans?Final Week to Register for Day CampJoin the All Saints Knitting, Quilting and Crafting GroupSign Up as a Coffee HostWho are Some Notable Asian and Pacific Islanders in the ELCA?Postal Food Drive ResultBike & Ice Cream – Doesn’t Get Better Than That!
June
ICA Volunteer OpportunitiesJune 2023 NewsletterHelp All Saints Garden Come to Life This SummerJune Wellness Focus: Social WellnessGet Outside for Your Mental Health'Come Together' Virtual GatheringsJune Parent and Child PlaydateEnd of Fiscal Year Giving ReminderBubble Dance Party and Ice Cream SocialParents Night Out - July
No Comments