Life's storms

The snow storms we’ve gotten this winter kind of remind me of the storms of my life. When the first one came, I was not prepared. I went out to clear away the snow just to discover that my snow blower wasn’t working. I shoveled the “first round” that storm by myself. I had the kids help with the ones after and then our neighbor came to the rescue and finished the job (with his bob cat). Then next few storms were small and while they required a bit of work, I was able to handle them on my own.

I was sick when the first storm of February came. I didn’t have the energy to deal with the storm. I slept late and then went out. My lungs were burning as I shoveled. I did only what was necessary to bail myself out. I figured the kids could dig out their cars on their own. And they did. I think our neighbor came by and cleared out what they missed since there wasn’t any snow to be dealt with when I got home from work.

I wasn’t worried about the big storm that was about to come. But, I decided I should prepare to fix the snow blower. I brought home all the supplies I would need. The storm arrived Friday night. And, I wasn’t certain of my ability to fix the snow blower, so I went out late Friday night and did a first shovel. The snow was heavier and harder to clear out. I took ibuprofen before I went to bed to try and ward off the muscle aches. I slept late then next morning and was surprised I wasn’t achy. It must have been the earlier storms that had gotten my muscles into shape.

When I looked outside, I saw we had well over a foot of snow. I set about to fixing the snow blower. It took about an hour but I managed to fix it. I was thankful for the instructions my friends had provided. I even prayed and asked Him for help. And, finally the snow blower started. It was still hard work to clear out the snow from the sidewalks and driveway. I ended up with bruises on my legs from running into the blower. But, it was a lot easier than doing it by hand. I was careful not to throw my snow onto my one neighbor Gary’s drive way. I cleared out as much as I could for the girls and also cleared out my other neighbor. The teenage boy showed up to visit his gf, creating a bigger mess. But the next day, Gary came by to help clean up all that was left and created a path down our road, as well. During the big storm, I managed to have a good time. I baked, I cooked, I took pictures and I played in the snow.

It’s funny how these incidents seem to coincide with the battles of my life – the last one in particular. It was the big storm in my life that caused me to not rely on just my self. I turned to and received outside help from my friends, my neighbors and God. I had been strengthened and able to deal with it. Even when the kids made a bigger mess, there was still help that came along to clean up the mess. In working through my issues, I made sure I didn’t create a mess for others. I also worked to help others out, where I could. And, I tried to make the best of the situation and enjoy myself.

Three days later, we are expecting another big storm – so lovingly nicknamed Sno-verkill. The first storm is barely cleared up. The bruises aren’t healed. And here comes another storm to dump on me. And, the forecast says yet another is to follow. And that is how my life feels right now – storm after storm with no time to heal. And, while I’m trying to enjoy the silver lining and rejoice in my victories, all I can see are the storms to come. All the time wondering when will they stop? When will the bruises heal? When will the mess finally be cleared away and the sun shine down on me?

As for the local weather, I know spring will come. I know it will be absolutely fabulous this year. I am actually predicting an early one. I just wish I had as much faith in my life that spring will come early…heck, I wonder if one will ever come.