Why I Love a Blizzard (03/16/2026)

I’ve noticed the last couple of days the level of angst increasing among my Midwestern neighbors. A blizzard was predicted to blanket our area with ice, snow and winds. The grocery store on Saturday looked like a beehive in high blossom time. And if you were searching for bread and hot dogs, you were out of luck. Everywhere individuals were discussing what was to come. And while I prayed silently that all would be safe, I must admit I was cheering the LORD on because I just love a good blizzard.

I was raised in the south, central Texas and southern Georgia. I learned about snow through books and pictures, but I only experienced it once in Waycross, Georgia. We only got an inch, but grown men were trying to make snowmen and children discovered the wonder of snowflakes and the uses of snowballs. So, snow is special to me because as I child I didn’t have it. And when it appears in my day, I am in wonder all over again at what the LORD can create in His divine design and its beauty when undisturbed; it makes our world “new again.”

One thing I noticed here in the Midwest from watching my neighbors during blizzards is that it is a unifier. Everyone is impacted. And neighbors go out of their way to help neighbors in these moments. The fellow with a snow blower blows not just his walks but the whole block, being especially diligent with the elderly couple’s walks on the corner. The children come out to play and the “child” in some adults show up for the experience. Neighbors check on neighbors. Everyone is impacted, not just one neighborhood or ethnicity.

And for many, it gives us an excuse to slow down, to wear those ugly slippers all day long, to stay home, to take in the beauty, to marvel at the weather, to relax, to just be for a while. We as children of God can use these types of moments to observe in awe and to rest in the power and presence of our LORD, manifestations of His great love for us.

And lastly, before the day is over, I will go on a blizzard run. It was a tradition when I was raising our three children. Whenever there was a blizzard, a no school day because of the weather, we’d hop in the car and go on a cautious but amazing blizzard run, taking in the sights, helping others along the way, and culminating in a Dairy Queen Blizzard or a Culver’s shake. Those were some of my favorite moments, driving and listening to my three kids as they took it all in and as they celebrated being together for the experience.

Yep, I understand the angst I saw when this blizzard was forecast, but I wish I could give the world my perspective to try on for just a bit. I wish others could see the good I see in them and our world when a blizzard happens.

As we continue our Lenten journeys in faith, hope and love, let us remain open to the multiple ways the LORD amazes us and cares for us and sets in motion ways for us to come together and care for one another.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.