I hear the snowplow echo its machinery as it drives by. So it must have snowed over the early morning hours because it was and has been a green green PEI island; yesterday included. Not a flicker of white unless you are back in the bushes or deep in a ditch. But I’m not going to say it too loudly because the day will come and white will be a forever for a while until spring thaw. Crazy how weather continues to do its thing. My grandson said to me that he wanted to go back to Ontario for Christmas as he knows his aunties have lots of snow. In fact they had a snowstorm. Unfortunately, grandson, there have been quite a few unsafe and devastating harsh winter storms in the passed few days, leaving people stranded and many without power. Not a good feeling as he should remember from the aftermath of hurricane Fiona in September of this year.
The thing is that people celebrate Christmas everywhere including places that are hot and sunny. They have not even seen snow. It is funny how we equate certain things with specific times of year or events or traditions. Bing Cosby’s song from the movie White Christmas comes to mind right now “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”. An unexpected falling of snow last evening comes at a perfect time for my grandson. However not so much as I talked with my dad and sister back in Ontario….snow drifts up to the window sill. Yikes!! And down in the States from the news reports, goodness they got hit. Prayers sent up for their safe keeping.
I am feeling for my brother and family right now. They had planned for (surprise gift from my two nieces) a visit to Alberta to go see daughter/sister at Christmas. But life happens to you while busy making other plans. I wonder if it is a good idea to plan trips during the holidays. I am sure the airlines would love that line of thinking. LOL. Seriously though, the many months of planning and excitement leading up to this day which was this past Thursday…flight cancelled and rebooked for next day. And lo and behold, flight cancelled again. No way to rebook, get there, and be assured of getting a seat or not. And with the way weather has been behaving, would the flight be postponed or cancelled the other way. When you only have a window to work with…all three travelling to go west work. So to extend time away, who knows what that would look like.
But the unexpectedness of the news was heart wrenching. My brother bless his heart is practical and rationalized that it was to be. I know he was hurting inside but his wife and other daughter have hearts broken. They want to be together. You know when you build up for something special and then life throws a curve. Wanting to see your daughter who lives many miles (oops kilometers away), you can almost taste it. If only the flight was scheduled in the morning, if only we got off two days earlier to go, if only there was enough airline staff, if only…..the WEATHER would cooperate.
You can plan until the cows come home and still there are things that can get in the way….it’s called the unexpected. Or maybe it is called life. John Lennon coined that well “life happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”
Maybe it is God’s way of telling us, not today. It will happen but not today, not now. And is that okay? Yes, it is okay. In the situation with my brother and family, they are safe, not in a snowstorm, and can still be together. Thank goodness for technology and facetime. It is not a warm hug but you can see the whites of the eyes (or bags under the eyes..oops). But in the real moment of the unexpected, how does a person rein in those feelings when you know there is nothing you can do about it but you still want to rant or cry or kick or scream or feel sorry or blame someone or something. Yeah?? So shed the tear, vent, and let it out. It hurts. Yes. No matter what, I feel for their disappointment. My heart hurts for them as I so want them to be with loved ones, especially at Christmas time. I remember when they told me the secret a couple of months ago and thought, what a beautiful gift to give their parents. Thoughtful and loving extension of family loving family.
I know that feeling because when my family comes together, I am the most content. Sitting around the dining table, breaking bread together, watching the interaction and comfortable noise, I sit in wonder and awe of the gift. I do not take it for granted. It reminds of a sacramental moment really, a feeling of God’s presence amongst us where two or more are gathered. Aaahhh. That feeling is a warm fuzzy which goes right to my toes. Love love love it.
Well today is Christmas of 2022. Merry Christmas. There is much anticipation to this day, some good and some not so good, but will take place regardless. I also think there will be many unexpected happenings too. For God in His guiding presence in our lives, wants us to be ready for the unexpectedness, whatever and whenever that may be. May the blessings bestowed upon us fill the heart to overflowing on this day. Allow the morning light and the daybreak to draw near and give yourself a moment to be still with the unexpectedness of life. Blessings.
Let us pray for all those who are in need of prayers today and everyday. Amen.
Karenpondering 