What if you wake up and don't recognize the world?

Snow is so magical because it transforms the common into the uncommon. Where winter storms rob the landscape of the usual shades of green and in the fall, golds and yellows, and reds - snow just colors everything white and pristeen. As the clumps of snow landing on the bushes transform them to some sort of other worldly things we do things while it snows that are also "different". We avoid the rain but turn our faces to catch the snow. Our eyes follow the flakes, and measure the flakes, and count the flakes. Rain feels dreary the longer it falls and snow feels energizing the longer it falls. Even if you are beyond the age of sleds and snow boards or even plastic lids... you take joy in watching the kids have fun in innovative ways. The basketball is put away and they are sliding down the middle of the street wearing only their shoes. "watch me!"

But one of the coolest parts of snow days is the feeling that it is a bonus day and while the weather is doing the wierd... we find new things to do. Things we ordinarily do not have time for. I decorated the Christmas tree with lights and balls and the whole works (first time in years); I began sewing Christmas presents (and not a moment too soon); I cooked a pot of chili that warmed my tummy for days (maybe some other side effects which remind me not to do that too often...); I pulled out the infamous afghan that I began more than 25 years ago to crochet and keep warm at the same time. Since these days are usually unplanned, one must just do what is here and there are plenty of projects to work on.

And the snow gives us many metaphors for life.... it comes and covers our whole world and makes it beautiful in new ways. But our lives are still there underneath it all. It is how we choose to look at it. I think our sins being washed as white as snow and recognize how huge that is. I think we all need a free day once in while and snow days give it to us all at once. It helps me practice the reality that I am not that needed anywhere to add my car to the mess on the roads. Someday I will not be here at all. The world will still turn. It is important to take these gifts as they come and recognize the Creator who made us to enjoy all he created! DKU