I live in the South, where snow doesn’t fall in abundance.  I have to admit that I don’t miss the long, snowy, and icy winters that I experienced in the Midwest.  Today, it is snowing, and I am working from home since our business is closed for the day to be safe. Turns out, it was a very good decision because there are many icy areas which would make driving dangerous for those who live on the mountain or backroads.  I took a break to stretch and look outside at the ever-increasing snow accumulation. It is so peaceful to watch snow fall.  No doubt, there will soon be kids outside playing in it, making snowmen, snow angels, and throwing snowballs. It brings back memories of my childhood.

As a child, when I would learn there was a possible snowstorm, I would always hope it was so significant that school would close. The anticipation of playing in the snow was so great I could hardly bear it. When school closure announcements finally came over the news or radio, I would almost squeal with delight.  I’m sure my mom wasn’t as thrilled as I and my sisters were. No doubt she would have to endure our rowdiness, help us with our endless layers of snow clothes, and clean up as we tracked wet snow into the house. Then there was the extra meal to make since we wouldn’t be at school during lunchtime.  I’m sure it was extra work for her, but she never let on to us that it was an inconvenience.  I suspect she kind of liked the snowstorm as well. My dad, on the other hand, probably wasn’t so excited because he had to trudge into work. I don’t ever recall him staying home from work due to snow.

I remember dressing in layer upon layer in anticipation of the cold snow only to get hot after a few minutes of playing and start peeling off layers. If you grew up with snow, you probably remember the way it packed onto your mittens in little balls or how it would seep into your boots and melt, making your toes numb or painful.  Oh, the joy of making snow angels or opening your mouth to try to catch snowflakes.  I recall catching snowflakes and examining them to see how different each one was from the other.   It was a particular treat if we were able to go sledding. How can you not find joy in racing down a hill with snow flying in your face?  Walking back up the hill, however, felt like an endless feat.  I recall us trying to find out how many people could lie on the sled, one on top of the other, and make it down the hill.  Usually, we would topple over mid-way down the hill which resulted in even more laughter.  My husband and I lived in Oregon for a few years and had a delightful time, one winter, going to a ski resort that offered snowtubing. We had such a fun time; I recall that it induced some child-like belly laughs making us feel like we were kids again.

 There is something spiritual about snow. I don’t want large doses of it, or long periods of winter weather, but the pristine blanket of white covering the ground while the sky looks just as white, evokes a calmness that I cherish.  There is something magical about snow that turns me into a child when I go outside in it. I can’t resist the urge to run a short distance and slide on the sidewalk. It’s difficult not to bend over, scoop up a handful of snow, and make a snowball.  My husband and I usually go for a walk during the first snowfall of the year; it’s enjoyable to be outside before the snow is overly packed down or navigated.

Snowy days that force you to stay home are such a delight. It forces one to reflect on what treasures life offers us and conjure up those wonderful memories. I am blessed to have such fantastic memories, not just as a child, but all throughout life.  Sometimes life can be painful, handing us a great big handful of unasked for problems that leave us gut punched. Other times, there is so much joy it is hard to believe how blessed you are. Then, there is the in between times where life coasts along and is neither painful nor overly joyful; it just is. 

I like to use the in-between-times for reflection and growth. My in-between-times have taught me to see how resilient humans are. We can bear almost anything in short bursts. We can handle grief, heartache, loss, and pain because we are built for self-preservation. Our creator designed us to enjoy the sanctity of life. He also designed us to need others, even if you identify yourself as a loner.  There is a deep human need to interact with other living creatures and to help those in need, whether you prefer to help humans or animals.  Helping others can be as simple as a phone call, text, or sending a card. It can be more complex such as helping someone move, buying groceries for a housebound person, visiting someone in the hospital, or watching a neighbor’s kids so they can go on a date night. Acts of kindness can include setting out a birdbath or bird feeder, it can involve volunteering at a shelter or fostering an animal.  Whatever the act, simple or complex, reaching out to others is good for the soul.  I think that is why childhood memories are so special; usually, kids aren’t tainted by bitterness. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, children aren’t jaded by life or distrustful of others. A child at play doesn’t care what they look or sound like, they don’t overthink what they are going to do next or analyze what their day will look like. They just have fun.  Kids throw caution to the wind and jump from monkey bars, jump out of a swing, sled down big hills, play touch football, play tag, skate, swim, jump, do cartwheels, and a myriad of other activities that bring joy.  Kids kiss dogs, lick ice cream cones that are melting in the hot sun, host lemonade stands, dance in front of others, sing out loud, ask questions, hold talent shows, play hide and seek, wish on stars, save baby birds, have bubble gum blowing contests, throw water balloons, and take risks.  Kids are not afraid to take chances until adults teach them to be afraid.  We can learn a lot from kids.

Take a chance; go for that job interview, try out for church choir, join a church, make a new friend, buy that dress you’ve been eyeing, go on that date, eat ice cream, dance, sing, and laugh out loud without covering your mouth. Be bold and brave, don’t be self-conscious; there is only one you. You were created in the image of God and He thinks you are a big deal!