Coping With Life in Snow Country

 

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” *

 

Blustery winds, single digit temperatures and several inches of snow on the ground are forcing TJ the lab and me to stay indoors instead of going on our daily walks around the neighborhood. It would be tempting to ignore exercising for a few months until it gets warmer. However, TJ makes it very clear when it’s time to go for a walk, sometimes sitting by the window in the living room and staring at me with sad brown eyes.

He certainly doesn’t understand the daily weather report or the words “wind chill.” What to do? Throwing the frisbee to him is a great way for us both to get exercise. But indoors?

The basement would be the best place for a game of frisbee; however, TJ is deathly afraid of going downstairs.  The only alternative is the hallway on the main floor of our small house. If all the doors to the rooms adjoining the hallway are closed, and if I am careful to throw straight, it works well. None of the pictures hanging on the wall have been broken yet, anyway. Al can’t poke his head out the door of his office while we’re playing, though. Otherwise, there might be a collision with a racing dog!

To make it easier on my back, I have been putting a folding chair in the dining room at the entrance to the hall. That way I can throw the frisbee while sitting. It is also easier to intercept TJ after he retrieves it. He does not willingly give it up and if left alone for a few minutes would tear the frisbee apart.

Sometimes he succeeds in sneaking by my chair, racing around the dining room table and into the sunroom where he hangs out most of the time. Then I have to chase him and snatch it away. After playing for several minutes, I’m panting as hard as he is!

 While we both enjoy going outdoors for our walks, the games of frisbee have been fun and invigorating. Otherwise, TJ and I might spend the days napping! Such is life in Michigan during the winter!

Although it has been cold and windy, until recently snow has not been a problem. But last week there was an official “Snow Day” when a storm came through our area bringing several inches of snow. Schools were closed and many businesses shut down so that people could stay off the roads.

Al was planning on shoveling the walkways and driveway once the storm let up, but was not looking forward to being out in the freezing cold. Before he could get outside, however, a neighbor had already shoveled the sidewalk from his house two doors down to ours, and was working on our driveway.

 “Thanks, Jim,” Al called, sticking his head out the front door. “I was planning on doing that!”

“No problem,” the young man replied with enthusiasm. “I love shoveling snow!”

Jim made it look easy, “like shoveling cotton!” according to Al. As he was finishing up our front porch, we decided to invite him for dinner. Al had made a big pot of lentil/barley soup that afternoon—perfect on such a cold day. Being single, Jim was happy to work for a homemade meal and was extra happy when he found out we were having soup!

He came over around 7:00 and ended up having one and a half bowlfuls of the lentil soup.

“One thing about me,” he said waiting for his soup to cool down, “is that I don’t like my food really hot. In fact, I’m a lukewarm kind of guy!”

That was a funny way to put it. Jim certainly does not seem “lukewarm” to me. He might like his food that way, but he’s always friendly, eager to help, is full of energy and gives selflessly.

As for me, Jim’s eagerness is a reminder to get out of the winter slumber mode, spend time with God in order to deepen our relationship and serve Him eagerly in any way I can.

Help us, Oh Lord, to use each day in a way that is pleasing to You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:10 NIV)

*1 Timothy 4:8 NIV