Storm of ‘26?
I wonder what we will call this winter storm. On The Weather Channel, they call her “Fern.” There was the Blizzard of ‘78 and the Ice Storm of ‘94. Maybe the Winter Storm of ‘26? After all, we’ve had every type of winter precipitation in the last 48 hours that we could have,
The meteorologists have been changing their forecasts and adjusting their predictions for a week before the first flake fell. Even now, with the winter storm warning still in effect for a few more hours, they are still adapting their totals as they do their best to read their ever changing radar reports.
We did our best to prepare. Four grocery stores, five trips in two days - Full gas tanks in both cars - crawlspace vents and outside faucets covered - electronics charged with portable battery chargers on the ready. But our best was only so much.
No matter what we did or didn’t do, and no matter how accurate the forecasters’ weather broadcasts turned out to be, no one could control what is actually playing out.
We went to bed last night, after watching several different outlets’ weather coverage, feeling like our area had dodged a bullet. The worse was over, right?
This morning, Eliza woke us with news that a couple of limbs had fallen off the tree in the front of the house. We both hit the floor investigating the minimal damage and resuming our vigil of the local news. Scrolling Facebook and learning that power outages were happening to people we know, we started doing all the things - just in case. With wind gusts predicted upward of 25 mph this afternoon, the threat of a power outage is still very real.
As much as I like to believe that I am the master of my own destiny, that I set my own agenda and that I have control over my life - I believe God just grins, shakes His head at me and chuckles. Only He can commands the weather. Only He ordains the type and timing of the precipitation that falls from His storehouses. Only He controls the outcomes of whatever, whenever, wherever.
I presume and try to assume control, but He is the One who ultimately orders my steps. I can choose to worry over things, like the weather and whether or not the electricity will hold, or I can submit to the One who knows the outcome of whatever we will end up calling this storm.
Easy to say, hard to do.
What does that look like in my house and in my heart right now?
First, I am seeking Him. I am reading my Bible, being still in prayer, and remembering His past track record of faithfulness to me. I am recalling His promises and knowing that He will provide whether it is by keeping the power on or by keeping us warm in other ways.
Second, I am resting and doing things I don’t usually have the opportunity to do. Reading, writing, puzzle working, movie watching, napping. I am choosing to see these days as a gift, a chance to relax and recognize that all those things I “have” to do - I don’t really “have” to do.
Finally, I am living in the moment. I am not making plans beyond thinking I might bake some chocolate chip cookies this afternoon if the power holds. Right now, it doesn’t look likely that the schools will open at any point this week. So, I am gratefully embracing a slow pace and seeing the uncertainty of not knowing what will happen when as a blessing.
As I capture stray sinful thoughts and submit them to the truth of Christ, I know God is actively doing something in and around me through this winter storm. The view from my front window is beautiful, and I am here for it. Besides, where else can I be? It’s not like I, or anyone else for that matter, is going anywhere!
Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash