Life's Snow Bumps

Difficulties in life are a lot like snow.

Living in the middle Tennessee area is unique. We usually get at least a dusting of snow every year, but every few years will get 3-4 inches at a time. It's warm enough here though that within a few days it's gone- sometimes even by that afternoon.

It's the way in which people react that "intrigues" me. For anyone who has lived in a northern place where the snow not only comes down more regularly, but doesn't melt in between and ends up layering for a few months, the folks around here completely over react.

Yes, I know that we don't have the same equipment for snow removal and that people aren't use to driving in it thus don't know how to drive in it, but it still gets frustrating at times. It cracks me up to see the grocery stores being cleaned out of eggs, milk, toilet paper, and bottled water (I really don't get the last one) when 6 inches of snow in a single night are predicted. Once, I started sliding on the road and was amazed that it was that slick. Then I realized it wasn't ice, but a pile of salt that was dumped to save me from the ice! On the other hand, I remember growing up in Florida and having "cold" days where we got out of school with no snow just because it was freezing outside. (Once again it was an equipment problem as well. Our schools use to not have heat. No reason in sunny Florida!)

That why when school was canceled this morning due to about an inch of snow, it clicked to me that the snow here is a lot like the difficulties one faces in life. If you are use to a lot of  problems and they seem to pile up - death in the family, major illness, your only car broke down, in debt, family problems/abuse - something like a rude comment made to you is not going to throw you for that big a loop. On the other hand, if your life has been smooth sailing, a rude comment might become the only thing you can think about for a while. Some even start obsessing over it.

While those may not be the best examples, it should give you a good idea of the point I'm trying to make: While trials in life are never enjoyed, the benefit can be a strong character. You know what needs to be done and which things are truly important. You learn not to sweat the small stuff and how to plow ahead when there are just no other options. And most importantly, you can come along side those who are just beginning to experience it and can help encourage and guide them. Think of it this way: The more you have to deal with personally, the more God equips you to help bring Him glory. You can be a light in their darkness which leads them to the Father.

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16