Northern Virginia did not anticipate snow this morning. I expected a few more sunny, crisp fall days for my lingering roses, but they now hold ice crystals. Today was supposed to be about completing a mile-long to-do list. On the top of the list was quiet time to write. Heck, I’m trying to finish my first book manuscript in five months!
I did not initially welcome the snow this morning. In fact, I rolled my eyes when the school text message notifying us of a two-hour delay pinged my phone last night. This morning, however, it was clear that the school made the right call. Eventually they had to cancel school all together.
Rather than putting the kids in front of the TV and hiding in my room to work, I decided to make memories today. Memories of a hot breakfast, cocoa, snow angels, and a walk in the woods. So that’s what we did, and wow, God is good.
After returning to the house to thaw our frozen fingers, I sat down to read with St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Thérèse appreciated snow. She reflect about wearing the white habit of the Discalced Carmelites for the first time, and wrote in her autobiography, “I had always wished that on the day I received the habit, nature would be adorned in white just like me.” She received her wish. Much like today, despite mild weather, it snowed on the day that she received her habit. “What thoughtfulness on the part of Jesus!” she remarked. Thérèse reminded me today that “Everything is grace.” Grace, “the free and undeserved help that God gives to respond to his call to become children of God.” (CCC 1996).
The grace of snow nudged my children and me into a morning of togetherness and play on what would otherwise have been a routine Thursday of packing lunches, inching the minivan through the school carpool lane, and commuting to work in relentless DC traffic.
Instead, I’m grateful for the grace of snow, and grateful for the grace God gave to shake me out of my busy to-do list and toward just being. Being present. Being thankful. Being covered in snowflakes. What thoughtfulness on the part of Jesus.
Today definitely wasn’t slow down to smell the roses but slow down and enjoy God’s beauty in this wonderful blanket of snow. 😘
It was a great day, Sue! I hope and yours had a nice Thursday, too!!! 😉
Your beautiful reflection touched my heart today. I’m looking forward to following “Joyful Momentum.” May God bless your family and may He bless the work of your hands–your fingers typing away at keys to bring inspiring messages to others.
However, I am glad you decided not to hideaway in your office today because of the weight of the work on your shoulders, and instead were blessed with precious time with your family. God is SO good.
Everything is GRACE!
Thank you, Donna-Marie. It was a good day to get outside . . . and then stay inside when our toes and noses got chilly! Thanks for following!
Your blog was great today and I am so glad I clicked on your link. I don’t have snow outside my Qtrs. but I woke up thinking of all the pressures waiting out side my window that must get done by COB before I ever thought of thanking the Lord first for another day! That is not like me! But then I read your entry today (which was my first time) and it popped me back on track ! Leave it to the “Lil Flower” and her ripple effect! Your blog is beautiful and wasn’t that thoughtful on the part of Jesus… to direct my fingers on my keyboard to your words today. Thank you Elizabeth! May God continue to bless your work and home.
Thanks for your sweet note, Angie!!
Thank you for kind words, Angie!