We just had an epic snow here in Middle Tennessee. Now, we do not get these very often. I believe this may be close to our biggest one on record. Most of the time, the news will tell us a big snowstorm is coming and everyone makes a run to the grocery store to buy out all the bread and milk like we are going to be stuck inside for weeks. It is a phenomenon in and of itself. You have to watch out for the crazy people at the store. Then, usually a light snow dusting and we are back to our routine without missing a beat.
However, this time is different. Even though the snow predictions ranged from no snow to “something,” we are covered in 6-8 inches. Yes, it is an inconvenience. And, yes - it can be dangerous if we are not careful. But, it can also be beautiful and fun :)
Carol Birdsong is a celebrity in the world of elementary, middle and high school students living in Williamson County. Carol is the one who calls every family to tell them if school is or is not canceled. I actually met Carol one time, and my kids were so excited! However, sometimes, as parents, we dread the “Call from Carol.” It’s inconvenient. It’s a challenge. Yes - to all of that and more. Child-care. Jobs. Kids at home all day. I get it. I live it! But, there can also be something special about these little breaks in our routine. A little joy moment if we will look for it and embrace it.
Over the years, when these very infrequent snows come, our family has learned to savor the moment. We have become sledding maniacs (Lisa, my wife, probably more than any of us). It starts early with the first flake of snow. Instead of running to the store, we run to the garage to make sure the sleds are ready. Then, when the ground is covered, we wake up early and head to the hills. We do run after run after run. It is so much fun! Our kids love it!
About five years ago, after a morning of sledding, we embarked on a journey to find a place to eat. The only place open in all of Cool Springs was Chuckie Cheese. Now, our kids were a little older than the normal kids who go there and we hadn’t been in years, but we had a blast. We had the entire place to ourselves. We played every game, ate pizza, danced with the mechanical rat, Chuckie. Our kids still talk about it So, today we had to do it again. We bundled up, sledded and then headed to Chuckie Cheese for lunch. Haven’t been there in five years, but again we had the whole place to ourselves. It was epic!
So, when life throws you a curve ball (or a snowball), I would encourage you to embrace the moment. You can’t control the weather, so it doesn’t do any good to spend the whole break being angry or frustrated. Instead of being bitter, think about how you can make the situation better. Go sledding, read a book, play a game, do something you have been wanting to do and never have the time. In the process, you will make some memories that could last a lifetime for you and/or for your kids. We all have memories from our childhood, and if you are a parent then you are creating those memories for your kids right now. So take a mental, emotional and physical break and enjoy the opportunity. Because you never know if you will get another big snow. And, you never know if you will ever have Chuckie Cheese all to yourself :). So skip buying the milk and buy a sled as well. Our God created the seasons. Now, we have the opportunity to create the memories. Happy Snow Day!
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