The ice has hung on here in these parts. Yesterday, the sun was behind clouds most of the day, and not much melting occurred. This is kind of unusual for this part of Kansas. Normally, the snow or ice comes, then melts relatively quickly.
Out in Western Kansas and on the Great Plains, the snow and ice can linger for weeks at a time, gradually becoming dirty and trod down. It gets a little old to have to drive on ice and navigate slick sidewalks for that long.
Then there was the year out in Goodland, where we lived for a time, when the water pipes that were buried in the ground up to four or more feet froze. We were told to keep our water running, and that the thaw wouldn’t come anytime soon.
Of course, when the snows melted that winter, the water didn’t soak into the frozen ground, but ran off instead. Out in those parts of the country, that’s like watching gold slip from your fingers into the abyss.
I don’t know if they will suffer the same fate this year as in that year. There’s been a lot of wild weather out in those parts already, and winter isn’t over yet. Thankfully, a lot of that weather has also brought much-needed water and a cover to protect against the cold.
There appears, in this creation, to be good even in things that at first appear to be bad. Snow and ice cause havoc in our society, but bring much-needed water and insulation to the landscape. Cold is hard on people and animals that have to bear it, but brings relief from insects, weeds, and other pests. To borrow a phrase from Linda Ellerbee, “And so it goes.”
2 comments:
I had to clean my car off today even though the weather came nearly a week ago . . . Crazy.
You wondered if church would have been canceled 40 years ago because of snow. I don't know. I remember staying home a few times from
church because the roads were drifted and the extra time it took to care for the livestock - we ended almost in time to start over.
I also remember the back-to-back blizzards we got in March 1987. The streets were totally blocked. Only the snow routes had been plowed through. The only church to have services was
the Catholic Church - because as it was explained to me - the priest has to say Mass every day anyway - so church wasn't called off. A few
people came in - some from outside the city limits came in to church - and promptly got hung up. So they had to depend on the goodness of the hearts of those who had the sense not to attempt to get out to get them out.
I thought back to my reading of pioneer stories and wondered where the "common sense" of people had gone. I thought back to simpler
times - when people could be content to stay at home with their families - play together, work together, worship together, etc. Why did people think they just had to get out to see what the streets on the other side of town looked like. Why they were were outraged because they went to the grocery store to get potato chips and find
out the store was closed. Why did some feel the only way to worship God was to try to get to the building.
Some of the most "contented" days I can remember - growing up and now - is staying at home with my family in a blizzard or snow storm. I
realized back in 1987 - a blizzard was a sign from God - to stop and take the opportunity to put life on hold and just enjoy the time alone - knowing there was NO where else you HAD to be.
I agree meeting with others for Sunday worship is a wonderful aspect - but again - pioneer mothers instilled a worship sense to her young brood when there was no church building, the nearest neighbor was miles away. They respected Sunday and taught their children the same - without the benefit of a meeting place. While the work
was hard and I really don't want to go back THAT far - I do appreciate the simpler times.
Sunday - we couldn't make it out - the roads were drifted. So we had another "lesson" from Dayna, LaRene read from his book, "God is in
the Hard Stuff," watched the DVD on Joseph. While I had seen it numerous times - it really was an inspiration this time. I appreciated the ups and downs of Joseph and God worked through all of
it. I had renewed hope that if God can work through all that for Joseph - He will do the same for us. We then scrapbooked, visited, scooped snow, and watched Disney movies. What a glorious time for family - and to reflect on the true beauty and blessing of winter.
Thanks for allowing me to share. Kathy
Post a Comment