Reflections of a Subzero Day
Montana, like many other places right now, is experiencing a blistering cold spell of subzero temperatures. Does is really make a difference if it is minus 16 F or minus 31 F? Or if the windchill lowers the temperature even further? All of the above feel quite inhospitable after only a few minutes outside. So you keep the shades down, run all the faucets a couple times a day, and start the car and let it idle just so it doesn’t wake up dead. Hunkering down inside this weekend, I’d like to share a few reflections of a subzero day.
Freedom of movement: One thing that becomes quickly obvious in such cold weather is the restricted freedom of movement. Sure you can venture out in the car to work or the store, but it’s much safer to be home if possible. No one understands this better than my puppy. After only a few moments outside to do her business, she’s trying to figure out how to lift all 4 of her paws out of the snow at the same time. We get so accustomed to being able to comfortably drive anywhere we want or walk the dog around the block, but subzero takes that away. It makes you appreciate how much we take for granted the ability to move around. I suspect that those who have been hampered by orthopedic injuries, or severe arthritis, or paralysis, or cancer pain might find a similar experience in restricted freedom of movement.
Gratitude: When one is stuck inside from the subzero, there couldn’t be a better time to reflect on the things for which we are grateful. It’s not too hard to make a list in the cold weather. Thank you for the roof over my head, and the furnace that continues to reliably do its job. Thank you for hot water that reluctantly but eventually makes it way out of the faucet and showerhead. Thank you for a good book to read, and favorite movie to watch, and dare I say, a steady internet connection to provide at least some contact with the outside world. Too many people do not have these things, so being grateful for these blessings that we usually take for granted is a good practice during the subzero.
Connection: Depending on your circumstances, subzero can bring a feeling of connection or isolation. If you and your whole family (and puppy) are stuck inside together, it can be a forced occasion to spend time together. It’s a time to catch up with each other after a busy week, or to pull out that board game that you never seen to have time for, or to cook a good meal together. Or maybe have that important family meeting or conversation with your spouse that has been pushed to the back burner. And if you just get on each other’s nerves, you can use the experience to master the art of patience. If you find yourself alone in the subzero, it can feel isolating. But it doesn’t need to be. Being stuck inside can give you the chance to call an old friend or family member that you haven’t talked to in too long. Rekindle the lost art of writing a letter to someone you miss seeing. Or write a condolence card to the family of an acquaintance that recently passed away.
Stillness: If you step outside in the subzero, something that becomes immediately apparent is the stillness. There is a distinct lack of traffic noise, folks talking, birds chirping, or dogs barking. All is quiet. How often do we get to experience that in our daily lives? The subzero creates a temporary stillness that blankets everything. What a gift! It is said that God’s voice is rarely loud and thunderous, but rather He speaks in a quiet whisper that can only be heard in such stillness. Whether we are together or alone, maybe the biggest blessing of the subzero is a real chance to hear what the Psalmist sung in Psalm 46: ”Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Dear friends, stay warm and safe, express gratitude for the blessings in your life, connect with those you love and who love you, and listen for God in the stillness of your heart in this subzero world. Peace to you all!
