The skies are filling up with crystalized water which will soon turn into more snow. By this time of the year, I shouldn’t be surprised by more of the white stuff, but when a major event is predicted, it kind of puts a hold on our lives – even here in the frozen tundra.

Shakespeare wrote these words many years ago. “You have such a February face, so full of frost, of storm and cloudiness.” We are expected to receive a huge amount of snow upon our roads, sidewalks and roofs. When you’re a child, fresh snow that’s perfect for making snow forts and snowballs is delightful. When you’re nearing 80, it brings added aches and pains, anticipation of the same and sadness that you can’t help in the removal of it.

When our lives reach the winter of our existence, it’s even harder to put on a happy face. For one thing, our faces have been frozen into blank expressions. Our eyes have lost their sparkle. Our bodies just can’t keep up anymore. However, I don’t think the elderly are the only ones that feel that way. We struggle through the mounds of crud in our lives every single day. We often face obstacles one right after the other, but God does have a purpose for all of it.

It’s not easy doing anything alone. When God is our strength, we can endure just about anything.

Lord, you have promised to be with me in every stage of my life. Help those who are suffering with pain and loss. Give hope to those who have lost hope. Watch over and protect our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and allow the world powers to make the right decisions. Be with all of us in the storms of life and give us the wisdom to trust in your will for whatever comes our way. Amen!