Michigan has finally received the Artic blast of cold air and beautiful snow that winter's in this part of the country are used to. Growing up in Southern California has definitely skewed my idea of cold. Even though we have lived in Michigan for more than six years I still am surprised by people jogging or riding a bicycle when the temperature is less than 20 degrees.
Elementary children don snow pants, boots, scarves, mittens, hats and coats for recess. Only if the temperature drops below zero is recess held inside! Wow, my So Cal brain can not conceive this!
After several freezing cold days where recess was held in doors the temperature finally reached 2 degrees and outside recess was declared acceptable. The announcement was made that recess would be outside, children and teachers cheered and the students began dressing in their warmest belongings our kinder and first graders trudged outside, excited to make snow angels and have the freedom to run.
Walking down the hallway after recess while the students are changing is like walking through a mine field. Children are standing, falling, squiggling and wiggling to take off their wet clothes and once again feel warm. There a midst the pile of clothing slumped a very cold, very wet, very sad little girl. Teeth chattering, tears running down her cheeks and a shrieking cry alerted me.
Her hands bright pink and wet, held up so I could see. Lips quivering and those eyes that cried out, "Help me please, I am sooooo cold".Grasping her hands in mine I asked her if she could feel the warmth from my hands. Shaking and nodding, I took that as a yes. Then I blew into our hands. "Can you feel that? It's like a little heater". After reassuring her that she would be fine I sent her into her class. There on the ground I noticed her gloves. Pink, stretchy mittens that were soaking wet. While these are good for warming your hands, they are Not for playing in wet, icy snow. Having waterproof material would have kept her from being so cold.
What I learned
We have been given everything we need, yet sometimes we choose to go out into the world without it. There are times that I feel just like that little girl, cold, alone and afraid.
Can I do this thing that you have asked me to Lord?
How can I start again?
I don't know how!
I don't have the energy.
I'm afraid that I will fail!
I am overwhelmed!
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3
As you sit there thinking, "Help me please", May this verse inspire you to reach up and ask Him to take your hands into His own.
Seek him first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added onto you. Matthew 6:33
