The snow is falling in southwest Michigan. I thought today would be a good day to reflect on a post that I wrote a month ago about waiting for the snow. Here’s the link: http://www.pierrecquinn.com/15/be-prepared/
Snow lessons
After yesterday’s post I was not excited about cleaning off my car this morning. In spite of the work I was reminded of Isaiah 1:18. Every time the snow falls think about this promise.
Be prepared
I’ve lived in Michigan most of my life and there is nothing quite like a Michigan winter.
Nothing like a southwest Michigan winter either.
On the westside of the mitten we’ve been safe so far.
December is upon us and we’re haven’t been part of any whiteouts or winter school closings. We had some 50 degree days in November and there was so much excitement in the air. Many of us are wishing that the heavy snow will stay away altogether and that our pattern of November weather would continue long into February. Everyday we’re grateful that we’ve avoided a blizzard or survived another evening without ice skating through the parking lot.
Some of us would like to think that we can avoid the inevitable. If we just wish or pray hard enough maybe the hard Michigan winter won’t come at all. We’re not looking forward to shoveling snow or salting the driveway. The thought of waiting up early to clean off our cars is not sobering.
Despite our wishes, the snow is coming.
Now is the time to buy shovel, stock up on salt and make sure you have a good pair of gloves. Now is the time to make sure I’m prepared for the great Michigan winter. If I’m prepared ahead of time they’ll be no need to worry. Winter may be tough but I’ll be able to bear it because I’ve taken the necessary precautions. Now is the time to make sure I have salt, gloves, shovel, winter wiper blades, a sleeping bag in the trunk, catnip, beet juice…
Jesus’ parable of the two builders in found in Luke 6:47-49 (also found in Matt 7:24-27).
Two guys. Two sets of plans. Two different foundations.
One flood.
The flood was coming. No way around it. No chance of avoiding it.
One guy was prepared for whatever was thrown at him. His foundation was sure. His supplies were in tact. His house was safe.
The other guy had a shaky foundation. He wasn’t prepared. He lost his house.
Storms are a natural part of the human existence. Like it or not they are coming. A relationship with Jesus is the only thing that can prepare us for them. With Jesus we can ride out the storm sure of our foundation and confident that no matter what blows away He will help us pick up the pieces. If He is our foundation he will prepare and fortify us for difficult times.
