“Winter storm threatens East Coast, bringing temps colder than Mars”, is not a headline you read every day, but that was indeed the CNN headline earlier this week preceding the bombogenesis which hit the East Coast. What the heck is a massive “bombogenesis” anyway? According to Live Science, it is ‘wicked winter storms that rival the strength of a hurricane’. In all actuality it is an area of rapidly declining low pressure which results in a “bomb cyclone”. A bomb cyclone hit New England this week depositing 6-12 inches of snow on the area, and flinging wind gusts of up to 60mph, resulting in white out conditions.
The effects of the bomb cyclone were felt in Florida this week as it was unseasonably frigid. Most Floridians absolutely despise the cold temperatures, but not me. I always tell people I love the cold weather but I hate being cold. They sort of laugh and roll their eyes; like that makes no sense. Give me a sweater, winter coat, scarf, boots and gloves and I’m ready to enjoy the polar freeze.
Sometimes life’s challenges can be a lot like the bone chilling weather in Florida. They are unexpected. They are intense. They are debilitating. If you are not prepared for them, then they only make you miserable. But if you have your “cold weather gear” on, you can see the beauty in the midst of your problems. You’ve heard the old adage that God doesn’t promise you a rose garden. It is true-He doesn’t, but He does promise you peace as you walk through the valley.
So, what can we do to prepare for headaches, obstacles, dilemmas, issues and complications that are thrown at us? First, acknowledge life isn’t perfect and it isn’t meant to be. We usually don’t grow, develop and make necessary changes when things are perfect. It is when we run up against a brick wall that we must make adjustments, corrections and life decisions. We shouldn’t desire a perfect life, instead we should seek an excellent life.
Second, once you acknowledge life isn’t perfect, now you need a plan in place for handling taxing situations. Seek a stress-buster. Go for a walk or exercise. Apply various essential oils. Call a friend or confidant. Read your Bible. Sit quietly or play loud music. Participate in a hobby. Everybody is different and each person deals with stress differently. The main point to remember is to be prepared ahead of time so you are not overwhelmed and drowning in nerve-racking stress.
Third, and most importantly, recognize you need help. You need other people for wisdom, encouragement and strength. You need the Lord for wisdom, encouragement and strength. We are not put on this earth to live alone, separated and independent from our fellow man. We are not created to carry heavy burdens on our own. We are created for fellowship. We need each other.
Once you face the reality that life isn’t perfect, you have personal stress relievers in place, and you seek a little help from friends, you will be ready to face life’s challenges head on. Just like being prepared with warm weather clothing in ice cold weather allows you to enjoy it or at least tolerate it, being prepared for what life throws at you will allow you to see the beauty in the midst of the challenges. You may not always enjoy the difficult situations you face, but you will appreciate the personal growth that each obstacle provides.
So, was New England actually colder than Mars this past weekend? Maybe our low temperatures are actually colder than Mars high temperatures, but that is where the similarity ends. Mars is a frozen, barren, lifeless planet, but our Big Blue Marble totally supports life; challenges and all!
Taking Back Happy 