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The Pastoral Lens
Opportunities in the Snow
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The big snowstorm that we had on the weekend sure did upset a lot of schedules. As a pastor, I am reluctant to cancel a service, even if only a few can make it. However, I cancelled both of our scheduled Sunday services, something that I have never done in 21 years of ministry. Most other churches did the same thing. I am sure that the odd Christmas celebration was postponed, as well as travel plans for some. The NFL, of course, managed to get all their games in!Many people I have talked with saw the snowstorm as a huge inconvenience. Store owners would have had a bust day at the till on Sunday, and there were likely many who needed a chiropractor come Monday morning, thanks to all the shovelling. However, there is also the other side of this wintery coin. Those who make a living moving snow from parking lots or residential driveways got a boost in work hours. Children, oblivious to the adult Scrooges in the snow-hating world, revelled in the opportunity to make snowmen, snow forts, and snow angels.
For myself, the big storm reminded of something that happened a number of years ago in the early part of our marriage. Ruth and I were living in Petrolia at the time, no children yet, and we were having a winter with lots of snow. Living across the street from us were 2 retired teachers, spinster sisters, who took a liking to the newly-weds in their neighbourhood. We enjoyed a few meals with them and also viewed a number of their home movies from their adventures abroad. They travelled to exotic places every summer on their break from school and had reels of film footage to prove it. Now in their golden years, they were both battling some health issues. We prayed for them and looked for ways to be a blessing to them.
A mid-February snowstorm blanketed our town and filled the driveways of our little street. I decided I would shovel their driveway without telling them. I got up very early and used the cover of darkness to keep them from noticing which neighbour had helped them. It was really a lot of fun to do this and I thanked God for the opportunity to help such gracious people as these 2 ladies. It didn't take me too long and I knew the effort would be appreciated.
I am amazed what a simple snowfall can do to open doors for random acts of kindness. People are in need all around us and if we will open our eyes, we will see those needs and be able to consider the opportunity to "seize the day." So, don't frown over the course of this winter when the snow comes down in bunches. Instead, take the opportunity to stop and help someone, just like Jesus would do.
