Snow Storm Blessings
In January of 2016, a snowstorm hit the Washington, DC area, dropping nearly three feet of snow. The weatherman predicted the storm, but it was much more intense than expected.
Following the storm, people began to venture out into the deep white drifts covering everything. Paul and his two teenage sons, Edwin and Matthew, were some of those who went outside to clear their own driveway and then stayed out to help several neighbors.
The next day school was canceled, so the boys went out and helped a few more neighbors. By the afternoon enough of the major roads had been cleared that Paul and his sons could get over to help some friends who lived outside their immediate neighborhood. I don’t know how much pressure was used to motivate these boys, but they went with their dad to clean the sidewalk and driveway of another appreciative family.
When the job was done Paul went to talk with his friend and unbeknownst to him, Eddie started shoveling yet another sidewalk. At first Paul was frustrated with Eddie when he realized what he had started because it was late and time to go home. Soon, however, he relented and they all pitched in together to get the sidewalk cleared.
The following week they learned that an older couple lived there and had been out of town visiting with their daughter who was undergoing cancer treatment. They were exhausted as they drove home and were feeling emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed. Knowing that they needed to shovel their sidewalks only added to their burdens. When they arrived home and saw that some ‘good Samaritan’ had cleaned their walks and driveway, their exhaustion turned into exhilaration and gratitude.
The few minutes Paul and his sons spent doing a kind deed benefited them immensely. They shared the sweet feeling that comes from kindness and helping a stranger. The elderly couple felt loved and supported. As we help our children learn to serve others and give freely of themselves they will develop a resiliency skill that will benefit them throughout their lives.
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Anne's Corner
Within every challenge there is an opportunity. Who knew as the storm gathered and the flakes began to fall faster and deeper than expected that here was an opportunity for building community and spiritual growth? Rather than struggling alone, family, neighbors, friends, strangers reached out, shared the struggle, and made connections. Helping our children look beyond their own troubles and responsibilities will give them a new perspective and open up their understanding of the value of both giving and receiving kindness, service, gratitude, connection. All can participate and all have something to contribute, the young, the old, the strong, the weak. We are all in this together!
Anne's Corner
Within every challenge there is an opportunity. Who knew as the storm gathered and the flakes began to fall faster and deeper than expected that here was an opportunity for building community and spiritual growth? Rather than struggling alone, family, neighbors, friends, strangers reached out, shared the struggle, and made connections. Helping our children look beyond their own troubles and responsibilities will give them a new perspective and open up their understanding of the value of both giving and receiving kindness, service, gratitude, connection. All can participate and all have something to contribute, the young, the old, the strong, the weak. We are all in this together! 