This morning, when I took the dogs out for their early morning walk, I stepped into the darkness onto the grass. It crunched. Crunching grass means it is covered in ice and whenever I hear that sound, I remember the winter storm in February 2021. It was bad.
Do you remember how bad it was?
In some places, the overburdened electric grid in Texas collapsed leaving millions without power and according to the always reliable source, Wikipedia, 276 people in the United States died, with 246 of these fatalities happening in Texas.
Shannon and I had no electricity for five days, but we were able to ride it out because, when Pat built our house, he knew living in the country meant we would not be the highest priority for the electric company. He intentionally made sure our fireplaces and cooktop were run on propane while the rest of the house functioned on electricity. He also made ensured in the case of a weather emergency, we would be able to shut off half the house, so it would be easier to warm. Did I mention Pat’s a very smart guy?
In addition, we had a small space heater that was run off a portable generator.
For those long cold days, I would bundle up, and walk out to the tanks with a sledgehammer to break up ice so the cows and horses would drink water. That was not fun because I do not like cold and wading through the icy snow was not easy.
But while the storm of 2021 was not a picnic for us, I have to acknowledge we were very fortunate compared to many others who had ceilings collapse, busted pipes flood their homes, or ice-covered trees falling on cars. There was a tremendous amount of death and property damage.
All of those memories came flooding back, early this morning, as I stood in the darkness, with the cold wind in my face and crunching grass under my feet.
The good news in all of this is the cold will not last forever. In a few days, the sun will shine, the ice will melt off the roads and the grass won’t crunch anymore. It’s the same with the trials and tribulations of life. They will end.
No matter what hardships we face in life, because we have a good and gracious God, they will end and one day, we will be in our true home, where, as my grandchildren’s Bible says, “There is no more bad and no more sad.”
As you face the storms of life, remember Jesus words of comfort and encouragement. He said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
No matter what life throws your way, you will never face it alone because God is by your side. God will see you through.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments of hardship, remind me of your presence, love, and peace. Guide me as I step into a new day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
It’s going to be cold today. That’s alright. One day it will warm up. God will make sure of it.
Also, as I write this devotional, I hear freezing rain pour down and once Shannon gets up, I will remind her how blessed she is to be cooped up in the house with me all day. I think she’ll be excited about all the quality time we are going to be spending together.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 