If your reaction to the recent ice storm that struck New England was anything like mine, you had a hard time dealing with it. Although, we have had a fairly mild winter, and bad weather is supposed to happen in January and February, I am still so ready for Spring.

But this is New England. We native New Englanders are used to the unexpected on the weather front. And an occasional interruption in our lives can be a good thing. Interruptions jolt us out of our routine and compel us to be spontaneous. They remind us that, ultimately, life cannot be planned. If you can’t “go with the flow,” you’re going to be a stressed out and frustrated person.

Some interruptions such as frigid cold and wintery weather make us realize how dependent we are on each other and how interdependent life is. Where would we be without the weather forecasters
(lol)? Where would we be without those who plow our roads and sand them? Where would we be without the family and friends who help us ride the storm? Without each other we would not only be lonely but nearly defenseless against life’s interruptions.

Unpredictable, nasty weather confronts us with our limitations –with how small we are against the world’s most severe forces. If we are wise, this confrontation will show us our need for God, and in response we will find our rest and security in God.

I admit that none of these thoughts were on my mind when I wrestled with whether to cancel church that Sunday or not, or felt frustrated that the sermon I prepared was only heard by a few faithful believers.

What’s the lesson? Be of good cheer. Interruptions like bad weather aren’t so bad. They-- and our response to them--have much to teach us.

But, here’s some upbeat news: The ice and snow will melt and spring and Easter are just down the road.

Take heart!

Gracefully yours,