Unassembled Snowflakes

A very good friend recently sent me the following meditation called:  

Unassembled Snowflakes -- by Margaret Silf in the Daily Inspiration for Women  

"Just as the snowflakes float down upon us, so events descend upon us through the hours of an average day. Things happen, decisions are called for, conversations take place. Some things delight us, some things dismay us. Some things enrage us.
 
"We can’t control what will happen today, but we are free to choose what we do with it. Life comes 'unassembled.' We can make a mess of the day, or we can make something new and useful with what happens. The choice is ours.
 
"Look back tonight before you fall asleep. What have you made of the unassembled snowflakes that fell on you today?"

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As I write today, random unassembled snowflakes are falling from heaven. 

This latest weather event had threatened up to one to three feet of snow - blizzard conditions and snow emergencies  in my immediate geographical area - causing cancellations and inconveniences of every stretch of the imagination.

Days before a hint of snow was present, grocery stores and gas stations were busier than usual - as everyone prepared, gathering emergency supplies of basics and the inevitable snack foods that none of us can seem to do without.  Salt trucks were poised on the high ways long before a flake was even reality - waiting like mechanical vultures to tackle those dreaded frosty nuisances...

The day before was a tease.  There was a dusting of powdery snow - the wind blew it around so it looked like more in spots.  Anxious students started contacting me early in the afternoon about class the next morning - concerned about the drive - for some, up to an hour one way on a good day.  "Would classes be cancelled?  Would classes start late?"

I was confident the university would act with responsibility and decide to either cancel or delay classes.  And, in the end, classes were indeed cancelled.

Checking current updates on the winter storm, there is an air of humorous outrage and tone of indignation to the newscasters' reporting.  When all is said and done, the snow will amount to no more than 3 to 6 - inches in the Philadelphia area.  That's good news, right?!

Our NJ-PA-NY area dodged this winter bullet, while the storm is heading with a fury towards Maine / the North East corridor as I write this.  

I'm glad the meteorologists were wrong - hoping this is a frequent occurrence through this winter season.

I've worked as a clinical nurse, a nurse in the community and a nurse manager where reporting off due to inclement weather was not an option, as I was considered essential personnel.  I feel strongly as a nursing instructor that students need to be home safely during these times.  They will be nurses soon enough and expected to be on the floor - caring for their patients.

For today, I choose to celebrate a truly beautiful snow fall as I look out my window.  I'm grateful that my family and I are warm and have enough to eat. I was drawn to this magical song by Kate Bush and wanted to share with you...

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We can’t control what will happen today, but we are free to choose what we do with it.

Today there is just enough snow to make Andy the happiest dog in the world - or so he tells me.

He is mesmerized the moment he runs into the snow.  Standing at attention, snowflakes 'assemble' on Andy's nose, as I draw my own peace from watching him.  Then suddenly, he will begin 'doing the Snoopy', rolling blissfully on his back - snow flying all around him.

How wonderful spending this time with Andy...  a gift from my unassembled snowflakes.

Our paper whites, planted as bulbs on Christmas Day are also an unlikely gift today - a reminder that Spring is around the corner - right on time, I would say!

Today there is just enough snow to satisfy this teacher for the rest of the semester, but I'm no meteorologist so I'll reserve further comment at this time...

I've also been able to catch up on some wonderful reading in the Weeblyhood such as:

• flashPress presents 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper via the Pumpkin Run Pulse
• Life Talks - I Write presents Swimming in memories via From Loss to Living

Until next week, please take good care and keep warm and safe.  Do you have enough milk and bread? ☺

Hugs,

mar