A Holy Pause on Icy Roads
Last Sunday — church came to us!
Our pastor preached beautifully to an empty sanctuary, his words traveling through cables and screens and landing right in our cozy living room.
The choir sang in clipped perfection — thanks to editing — and one sharp-eyed congregation member quipped, “Wow! The choir had a lot of outfit changes!” Laughter, it turns out, streams just fine.
Outside, winter had iced the world into stillness. I stepped out briefly for photos, breath puffing like a steam engine, while Carl provided comic relief — holding up his handmade protest sign: “I am against ICE. Keep the temp above 32 degrees!” The man has a gift.
Later, we watched the Patriots and Broncos play in swirling snow. A championship game on an ice rink? Seems a little unfair — like running a marathon in flip-flops.
But there they were, pressing on, slipping and sliding, reminding us that grit sometimes wears cleats.
And, then our Seattle hometown favorite — according to my son and family who lived there and still call the Seahawks their team. And, who, once again, will be making their trip for the Super Bowl!
The day felt oddly familiar — like the stay-at-home seasons of 2020–2021. The difference? This time we chose to stay in. The house was warm. The pantry was full. Peace sat with us like an old friend.
That’s when Carl launched into his “what if” questions. What if this? What if that? I finally smiled and said, “Please stop. I am not your Wikipedia.” Grace prevailed.
Here’s the truth. This icy interruption is just a blip on the screen of life. Tomorrow — or the next day — the roads will clear. Cars will roll. Stores will open. We’ll gather again, in pews and parking lots — singing with one voice and one coat.
Seasons come and go. Ice melts. God remains.
And sometimes, His greatest gift is a holy pause — an unexpected Sabbath wrapped in frost — reminding us that home is a blessing, laughter is medicine, and His goodness doesn’t freeze when the temperature drops.
Stay warm, dear friends. Spring knows your address. 🌤️