Yesterday we had our first snow storm. It didn't snow much, maybe an inch or so, but it was enough to slow down the traffic. Everything slows down, but nothing ever stops. Unless, you live in such places as Alabama, Mississippi or Texas where life stops at the mere mention of the word snow. Not enough sanding trucks and not enough salt, if they have any, to even tackle the job.
In Minnesota you can drive by any municipality and you will notice huge airplane like barns. At first glance you wonder if someone is parking their plane in those places, but at closer glance, you discover that is where they store the winter's supply of salt chemicals needed to get through the next winter. Minnesotan's and Wisconsinites know how to survive in climatic changes in weather where the wind gusts get below-30 and snow cover can sometimes reach the roof line.
We are not afraid to make jokes about our weather and will often call our friends from the south and west and exaggerate for effect the weather just so we could hear a pin drop on the other end of the line. We love a good story. I remember hearing as a child our parents telling us about the granddaddy storm of the century, the Armistice day blizzard. The day that started out in balmy like weather and ended with extreme weather that probably was the reason why California picked up so many Northern transplants.Even our once beloved Minneapolis Laker's moved west.
Minnesotan's love the frequent weather changes. We know that when winter arrives we can anticipate the coming Spring which is 'just around the corner'. When Spring arrives we anticipate the coming summer and the backyard barbecues, family vacations, reunions, and all the other good stuff that makes us smile. I know the exotic places love it whenever we get a major snow storm because those places can always anticipate an influx of Viking and Packer fans to fill their tills. Our snow and cold does wonders with stimulating the nations economy.
The latest snow has made me think about putting up the Christmas lights. I could have done this back in September when the weather was nicer and I could do this while flipping burgers, but it wouldn't be quite as much fun. You have to live here to understand our logic..
The whole point behind this blog is each season brings with it a unique set of blessings. I remember reading a post when someone wrote of the snow storm about how their loved one in heaven must have instigated a 'pillow fight' for all this fluffy stuff to cascade to the ground like this. I smiled because I know from my readings about heaven that it really is an actual place with trees, water, and beauty beyond description of anything we experience here. I noticed the corners of my mouth curling upward as I thought of our loved ones that are now in that place.and thinking how God made it possible through the resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ, for all of us to experience it.
When Christ came into the world it really was a game changer. No longer do we have to put ourselves into a transcendental state or perform daily rituals and hope for the best that we would earn our way in. When Christ took his final breath on the cross he said "it is finished". He paid the price so we can all experience the joys of heaven. No longer chained to a set of religious laws Christ paid the price for all of us to experience this salvation gift. It is a gift with no strings attached other than saying 'yes' to Christ.
The coming Christmas season is a reminder of that gift we were given. I know, for me, going through my season of grief hasn't been easy, but I can tell this that knowing Jesus Christ has made it easier.
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