Early in marriage I would occasionally hold in frustration for a period of time. Finally I would realize how ridiculous that was and would unload on Tara. I felt much better, but then I looked over at her and she was not well. It was like I transferred all my misery right on to her. There have been other times that the very thing that relieves her stresses me or vise versa. Today was one of those days.
I hate snow. I detest it. If I could find a stronger word, I’d use it. It does nothing but depress me. It’s a mess and it makes my business lose money. I don’t mind cold. Let it freeze deep as far as I care but keep the snow away. I remember before I was in business and before I lived in Minnesota. Back then I was naive and enjoyed the snow. Now I couldn’t loathe something more.
Last night it snowed 10″+. Need I say more?
Tara tells me how the snow day was a blessing to her. It meant kids were home and she had good cuddles with them. Lunch was called in from Papa John’s and they watched a good movie while eating. She loved the time with them that the snow brought.
Now she is resting on her pillow with a smile, thinking on memories of the day. I’m on the other side of the bed with a headache, pillow resting on my head, frowning, trying to forget the day and the next few to come. She says that the blanket of white reminds her of how Jesus covers all her sins, making her white like snow. I say it has causes me to sin.
Once again I should learn from her. I’ll see if I can in the morning.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Ah Jay, you and I are too much alike and both could stand to learn from your wife. I don’t mind the snow if I can stay in and not have to fight the drifts to get to work. On the other hand, I hate the cold and prefer the snow to the bitter temperatures. I guess this means we are human and have not learned to be content in our circumstances. We are waiting for the bank to call with our closing date and time which should be this week. We have yet to hear from them and it makes me nervous since we were told we didn’t need to worry about a mortgage payment this month. I’m sure the ski slope businesses are thrilled because they are finally making money. We can’t all be happy at once, but when we are in Christ, we can all be joyful in Him. Looking to the author and finisher of our faith, we must trust in His ability to provide for us, whether it is work, or a simple phone call and answer to our questions. I’ll keep praying for you. You may pray for us as well. We love you.
Dawn and family
Hhahahahaha I’m with Tara! Neil tells me that, it’s clear I don’t have to clear the driveway. I actually love the clarity that snow brings….it covers everything. So, if I can suggest that the snow is going to make your trees grow ( eventually), so you’ll be busy then! Praying every day, my dears.
My family and I just prayed for Tara’s healing and for your family. We aren’t going to bed very well with the time change….which means I should be praying about the morning too! God is so good and in all the details….I enjoyed this day too (Phil thanked God in our prayer that mom didn’t stress about not getting much done- ha!) and the slower pace knowing that once the next season really hits we Minnesotans try and do twice as much as people who have nice weather all the time. I love thinking of you enjoying this day with the kids (seriously, 4 snow days this year?!) and enjoying the gorgeous view of white….there’s nothing like it. What a great woman God gave you to help you see the forest through the trees…
Love your honesty, Jay! You had me literally laughing out loud.
Jennifer
I am so sorry for your misery, Jay. I am praying that God will comfort you as only He can. Cling to His peace and know that He is God. Love ya bunches!!
Jay and Tara, you bring a smile to my face and a chuckle to my heart! As I read this post, I can “see” Tara smiling sweetly at the snow and Jay buried under the pillow, exhausted and frowning – haha. I must say Gary and I felt our ages after shoveling yesterday for 2 and a half hours. I forget my back isn’t as young as it used to be! I so look forward to your writings, Jay. For the updates, especially, on what’s happening and for the glimpse into your thoughts as you process and live this life. Thank you. Your sweet family is daily on my prayer list.
Tara & Jay,
You are so eliquent with your words…. what a blessing. I love the snow because it covers up all the dirty stuff on the ground as if it was purification from God. It comes down so softly, each snowflake different from the other — as we are all different from one another. Mama nature is glorious along with the fact she rules!!
We are so much in prayer these days — God is wondering, blessing, carrying our woes , taking away our fears, curing our ills, strengthening us all — ( what a big job he has ! ) I am wondering why he is so busy — all the time.
I converse with him way to often these days — now he is wondering if I ever shut-up….I think he knows who I am I sure know him.
I am still on the sidelines routing you on Tara, I hope for you a safe journey, healing every day, and God’s holding you close as you venture down the path. You are all in our thoughts, prayers, and the routing sidelines for you. Love you loads !!
Aunt Dee Dee & Uncle Frank
Tara and Jay,
it was the topic of snow that led me to leave a reply. I love snow because I love winter! My grand daughter Sarah and I were at a VBS meeting in your home 5 years ago. Her parents, Alan and Jenny Carlson told me of your cancer trial Tara and I’m committed to pray for you!
We moved to Williams Bay, WI over 3 years ago. We love the beauty of all 4 seasons!
The Bible teaches that God is the Creator of all things and it is He who created winter. Job 37:6-7, “He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. Then everyone stops working so they can watch HIs power”. In Job 38:22 God says this to Job, “Have you visited the storehouses of snow or seen the storehouses of hail?” When I was in the 7th grade I was inspired to write a poem I called, “Winter Magic”, but after I became a believer in Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord, I realized He should get the glory for the wonder of winter so I gave my poem a more appropriate name, ” Winter is God’s Miracle” that I hope will help encourage many as winter lingers into spring on our calendars.
“Winter is God’s miracle, did you know? For under your feet there is diamond snow!
The trees are covered with crystal too and everything’s sparkling bright and new!
The weeds in the fields just dazzle your eyes, even the house tops, brighten the skies!
And on the ground where there used to be grass, you’ll find it looks like glittering glass!
The icicles dangle like jewels so rare! Yes, Winter is God’s miracle, every year –
everywhere!” After spending a few winters in Texas, I added the words, “UP NORTH”