Surprised by Snow

The forecast tipped me off days ago about the potential for wintry weather. The weatherman prepped me for 4 to 8 inches of snow -- and thus all the inconveniences that might ensue: hazardous driving, school delays or closures, lots of shoveling. I prepared myself. And then ...

A crusty, light snow. Decorative, really. Easy to remove and navigate. Everyone was off to school and work on time.

So, another Advent surprise and reminder: we so easily allow ourselves to be consumed by fear, doubt, worries, the things that can go wrong. But when we let this happen, we risk missing the small joys, the little reminders of God's love all around us.

We read in the Gospels that we are not to worry, that God is in charge. Advent is a time to step back, slow down, and wait -- wait for God's design for creation and for our lives to unfold. As we do this, I pray that each of us is surprised -- by joy, by grace, even by snow.

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