We knew it was coming.  It’s March 5th, the beginning of our snowiest month up here in the Tundra.  Minnesota winters are like that.  They seem to push all our buttons, especially at the end of it.  We’re supposed to be conditioned for it.  We live here, for heaven’s sake. We could move to Florida and all that heat, humidity and hurricanes, but instead we opt for below zero temperatures, mountains of snow and ice, for what seems like an eternity.

Today has been declared a snow day, before we even have an inch of snow on the ground.  The first round of this weather system is leaving a sheet of icy rain in its wake.  This afternoon the snows return and six inches are expected to fall by this evening causing treacherous driving conditions.

Five years ago, on this very day, a snow day was activated.  Paul shoveled and I cheered him on with an occasional cup of coffee and pep talk.  I may have even helped shovel some.  When I posted this photo to Facebook on that day, Paul commented that he had dug out.  I asked him who Doug was, but he didn’t think it funny. Especially after shoveling a large driveway and watching the plow go through right after he finished.  We were five years younger then, but it was still hard work.

So today, we wait, watch and enjoy the glistening white stuff accumulate on our lawn and driveway.  Tomorrow, we may stay in bed for a few extra hours and pray for that hot March sunshine to miraculously melt all of it.  Ha!  Fat chance.

Still, we will cling to the words of James 1:12:

 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.