Let it Snow

Storm Jonas is trending all over the media today. When did they start naming snow storms? I know they name hurricanes and tropical storms but it wasn't until I actually lived through a series of winter storms did I notice they name them.

So, here we are facing our first winter storm worthy of naming. Jonas. I suppose he will have brothers that will follow. Does this mean only the really high caliber storms are worthy of a name?  What about those cute little ones that leave a dusting of snow or just sprinkle enough to dirty the car? Not worth mentioning I guess. So grab your boots and shovels folks, Jonas is on his way. I've been through this before. I've got this- hashtag no longer a rookie. 

I have to say it's nice to have fair warning though. Jim has been watching the weather channel closely. It helps to prepare. He can get excited because he loves the snow and it's also good for business. People shop more and stock up right before a big storm so they can stay in the shelter of their home. For me, even though I say "I've got this", the sting still burns from last year with all that shoveling and ice damage to our house, I feel like we just got all that repaired. So, I tend to fear  "what if that happens again?" 

I think the storms in this life can be the same. We tend to name the big ones. Job Loss, Moving, Death of a Loved One ,Cancer, Depression... Sometimes we get a warning before the big one hits, sometimes it shows up at the door with no warning at all and we are blindsided. 

A few years ago my dad caught, what he thought was; a virus. The cough lingered. Possible warning. I  remember exactly where I was and the fear that gripped me when I heard my mom say "it's lung cancer". But he was so healthy and didn't smoke. This didn't make sense. We all felt blindsided by a storm that came at us with little warning. I also remember telling her that God is bigger and that He would get us through this together, as a family.  I knew that to be true and I hung onto that promise. And He did get us through that storm. Thankfully they caught it in time, the surgery was a success and God gave us more time with my dad. I talked to my mom yesterday and she told me that he just had his six month scan and is still cancer free. I thank God for that! I know they both probably go through the "what if that happens again?" Every time they go in for his scan. 

That's the thing about those big named storms. You've been there, you lived it and hope to not have to go through it again. And yet, it changes you in a way that you are thankful for it. 

Other storms have come and gone in my personal life, my family and our marriage. Some big enough to name. Some small but still enough of a dusting to leave a mark. My little dusty storms might not be worth naming but they changed me and I'm thankful for it. I have  heard several times how an oak tree becomes stronger not by being sheltered from the storm but by being exposed to the rough weather conditions. It's the powerful wind and force of nature that causes its roots to bear down deep into the soil grabbing hold to endure the harsh conditions. This gives the tree strength, makes it grow, leaving it full and fruitful. Then it can withstand the next big storm.  It can also provide shade and comfort for others in a time of need. There is great purpose in those storms. 

 I know from personal experience that we can be like the oak tree, those storms are necessary to grow us. I'm thankful for them because it was in those storms my roots went deeper with God. I leaned in harder on Him for strength and only because of Him was I able to endure. I became stronger in my faith, my hope and trust in Him. And even though I can sometimes think " what if that happens again?" I know that if it does, He has a great purpose in it. To grow me closer to Him so that my roots go deeper still. 

I talked with my dad today. I needed to hear his voice. Of all the dads in the world, God gave me the best! I'm forever thankful for him. As we were talking, he reminded me that most of us are either in a storm or heading into one. My heart breaks for those near and dear to me that are going through their own personal storm. We can't stop those from coming but we can encourage and pray for each other. I know my dad was so incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love and prayer that helped him though the biggest storm of his life. And he now finds absolute joy in talking to and praying for others going though similar storms. That's a fruitful oak tree if I ever saw one! 

Can I encourage you? Whether you are in a little dusting of a storm that you find a bit annoying or it's a big one with a name attached to it. Fear not, God is on your side. He's got this! He will fight your battle for you. He is faithful and trustworthy. So grab your boots and shovel and bear down. He will see you through! 

- Pressing On 

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.””

Deuteronomy 3:22 

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:13 

“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?””

Mark 4:37-40 NIV