I’ve loved seeing all the pictures of everyone enjoying the snow—young and old, pets and people, all out there frolicking with their loved ones. It’s been a joy to catch glimpses of everyone taking a break from the usual routine. When I called my mom today, she asked, as she always does, how everyone from church was doing. Usually, I give her little snippets of updates—who’s stopped by the office or who I’ve run into around town. But today, I had no idea what to say. All I really knew were those glimpses people shared online. And there was something wonderful about that.
Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing and interacting with you at church and around town. My social butterfly-self is always glad for a good conversation or a quick visit. But this week, there was something special about knowing that, for once, so many of us were home—embracing the rare beauty of a snow day. For some, it may have been a moment of rest and quiet. For others, it was joyful chaos—kids running in and out, pets tracking snow through the house, and everyone soaking up the unexpected gift of time together.
Here in the South, we’re not exactly equipped to handle snow days, so when they come, life just seems to pause. Roads are icy, errands are put on hold, and we find ourselves staying home—whether we planned to or not. And in that unexpected pause, some of us stumble into the joy of Sabbath. It’s a different kind of time: time to notice the beauty of the snow, to reconnect with the people we live with but so often rush past, and to gather around the table for meals shared without hurry. I was talking to Chris, and he said, 'Man, we’ve been eating so much together.' And isn’t that part of it? Rediscovering the joy of simply being together, sharing food and laughter, and soaking up the moments we might otherwise miss.
Of course, I know not everyone gets to rest on snow days. Many people are out there working hard to ensure the safety and comfort of others, and their snow days are anything but restful. I’m deeply grateful for those who serve during times like this. But the point I want to make here isn't really about snow days. It’s about what the snow day represents: a rare opportunity for rest, reflection, and reconnection—something that’s part of the rhythm of Sabbath that we’re all called to embrace.
In moments like these—whether they come unexpectedly, like a snow day, or through the intentional practice of Sabbath—we are reminded of the importance of this time set aside for rest, enjoyment, and connection with the people we love. These pauses remind us that life is God's gift to us, and we are called to embrace and delight in it.
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