In Like a Lion

The end of February and the beginning of March is a glorious time of year. Spring is threatening to turn the tide but winter still holds the field. The ensuing battle between Arctic cold fronts and Gulf Streams, warm and moist, produces these most spectacular blizzards. Yesterday, school children throughout the upper Mid-West were beseeching the gods, "Pour out upon us your heavenly gifts, white and cold, and may school be closed. Please, please may school be closed!"

Sometimes even seminarians say such a prayer. And sometimes in late February and early March they get their wish. Even Luther Seminary was closed yesterday afternoon and today due to the state-wide blizzard. The weather's vagaries granted us a day's reprieve from responsibility. For a moment we could live as if we had nothing to do.

So we made snow men and went sledding. We snuggled in our blankets and watched movies. We played cards and video games. We threw snow balls. Snow storms shut things down enough to give us a minute to stop and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. They give parents, kids, and even seminary students a reason to play.

As the high pressure front of responsibility closes in and a downpour of homework threatens, I hope your snow-induced vacation strengthens you for another normal day.

Of course, the past few days weren't normal for the snow plow drivers and those working in emergency services. They've been out clearing off the roads and helping those in trouble. I've been out driving around fulfilling my funeral director assistant duties and the roads have been remarkably clear. It is a minor miracle that road service can clean so many streets in such a little time. My sincerest thanks to those men and women who could not shirk their responsibilities during the storm. Rather, their tasks only became more arduous because of the inclement weather. I hope in some way I can return the favor sometime. It has been a wonderful break they have afforded all of us here at seminary.