It seems like quite a long time since we have had a good snow day here in the foothills of NC. Last Sunday we received a rare several inches of powdery snowfall along with almost no ice!
That morning the snow was really falling fast, and I couldn’t wait to get out and play. I was unable to find my waterproof pants or jacket which, although frustrating, wasn’t a deal breaker. My frustration only really took control when I couldn’t find a sled.
So, basically, when I say “playing in the snow” it means some form of sliding down a hill. Not having a sled available presented quite the challenge. Just when I was about to give up on the plan—to let a rare snow day pass without any downhill fun—I discovered an old plastic snowboard.
After years of storage the bindings were toast, so I cut them off the board and taped on some foam pads to give my boots some grip. Venturing out into the snow, I still had quite the challenge ahead of me. I had to learn how to ride it. I fell numerous times, entertained my neighbors, and did lots of walking uphill. Nestled among all of the “fails” were a few attempts where I felt successful, which delivered a slightly awkward and warmly welcomed sense of accomplishment.
That snow day was far more uphill than down but as I reflect, I am thankful for all of it. The successes of the day were not really what I had in mind when I first saw the morning snow through the window. While I would have loved to just throw on my snow gear, grab a sled, and spend the day bombing hills, the day’s actual highlights would consist of a couple of “fall free” runs on a plastic snowboard from the 90’s.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21 CEB
We have days that don’t go according to plan, days that are more uphill than down. Still, every day is a “snow day,” one that holds a rarity that should be treasured. This is the day that God made for us and there will be only one day like today. It may be challenging but it will be great. Don’t get too frustrated, and don’t give up on it. Instead, look around and you may discover a new possibility that—with some effort—reveals previously unrealized value.
Ramblings of a Faithjunkie 