Sunday, January 09, 2011

Ready or Not

In our little North Georgia town the buzz all weekend has been about preparing for the big snow we are forecast to get hit with tonight. The grocery stores have been insanely crowded, Walmart has been packed and as the weekend progressed the streets became increasingly desolate. 

Even though the first flakes weren't projected to fall until around 9pm, people have been seemingly hunkered down all day in preparation. Schools have been closed already, even the inauguration of our new Governor has seen major scheduling modifications. All of this simply because the threat of snow. There has yet to be a single flake to fall.

Sure, there have been a few doubters. I have heard a couple of comments from those who think all the hype is overblown and we might not see anything. Yesterday it was clear, sunny and gorgeous as I made my own run for supplies. Was I a fool? It didn't seem possible that inclement weather lay just beyond this beautiful day. 

Based on the empty produce section and rows of missing canned food, the majority of my friends and neighbors believe the meteorologists and their forecasts are to be trusted. Why? Because of their past experience--and because there is too much at stake if they are wrong.

My family is now the proud owner of a REAL sled, just in case they are right. 

Only time will tell how accurate their predictions will be...but I am left pondering the difference having advance notice really makes. We can prepare and plan, but none of us really know as we lay our head on the pillow tonight what might await us in the morning. Events in Arizona this weekend are a painful reminder of that.

I am thankful to serve a Father who does know what tomorrow holds (and the day after that and the day after that...) He doesn't need fancy models and formulas for predicting tomorrow. He wrote the story. 

He doesn't send me rushing to Kroger for bread and bottled water...He IS the bread of life and the true living water. If weather.com can inspire me to action by their predictions, how much moreso should the Lord with His truth? What would it look like if I spent as much time searching for HIm throughout the day as I did refreshing weather.com this weekend? 

Even now, I should be asleep, but I am up--keeping watch--waiting for snow to start falling. Just moments ago I laughed at myself as I realized I was literally sitting with my nose anxiously pressed against the glass window. (I spend too much time with 6 year olds.)

When's the last time I kept vigil waiting for God? 

The first flakes just started to fall, as if on cue. Now I will head to bed and trust God for what tomorrow holds.

6:24 AM UPDATED TO ADD: The forecasters did not disappoint...5-7 inches of gorgeous powder already on the ground with the possibility of 1-3 more today!!! (Snow makes this Southern girl positively GIDDY!)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you. We've got a chance back here in Dalhart, Texas for snow tonight. My kiddos have been excited, though we are fighting some sickness right now.
I do hope you get to use your new sled.

Jani said...

I am from Ohio and originally from Michigan so I am no stranger to the snow. I love when folks who never get to see it get so excited. Even though we have had snow pretty much all winter, I still love a big snowstorm and the peaceful calm it brings. (forget the flurry of preparedness prior to and the "clean up" we go through after the snow has ceased...that gets me a little depressed quite frankly) I always find myself never wanting the snow to end. I love how the "busy-ness" life sort of "stops" when you can't drive anywhere, go anywhere and you must just stay home and relax with the kids.

Have fun with your new sled. Take a lot of pictures. Enjoy your unusual winter wonderland!!

dee said...

It is moving up - my daughter lives in Charlotte, and they have six inches this morning! We don't have any here in central NC yet. But, they do say it is on its way. School is out in anticipation, so my boys are ready for it!

Nanny said...

Enjoy the kiddos and the snow. As empty nesters, we are staying in except to walk/ drag the dog and feed the birds.

Stephanie said...

THANKS.
Just wanted to drop you a little message to let you know that this morning, on a yellow post-it note, I wrote "The Waiting Room" and pinned it over my desk! Thank You for your posts!! I have even shared that post with others.

I recently graduated with my PhD in special education and I work at a university. I think God is calling me back to the classroom to be "with" students....not researching about them. BUT...I wait and pray. I think He has something in store.