The Weather Outside is Frightful

Here we are, having been locked inside the house for two days—not getting to Christmas shop, replenish grocery supplies, but enjoying the time to read, complete decorations inside the house for Christmas, and finish projects on the computer. The five-foot snowdrifts outside today twinkle in the bright sunshine, and are beautiful. A Colorado blizzard is not always a bad thing.

My book fair season ended the day before the snowstorm hit—what a blessing that was. No need to cancel events, nor attempt to drive in the mess, only to perhaps get stuck in snowdrifts and the snarled traffic that resulted. I was warm at home—even made time for a nap, midday. A Colorado blizzard is not always a bad thing!

My husband and stepson were due to fly this morning to Los Angeles overnight for a family bar mitzvah (unfortunately scheduled at Christmastime), but the snowstorm closed the Denver airport. We’ve fretted over this conflict in scheduling for a year and a half, only to have the weather take control and now allow us to enjoy time as a family to complete preparations for Christmas. While some may say that Christmas is just one day, it is more than that. It is a month of preparation, spiritually via our faith beliefs, and practically with all that must be done: shopping, baking, decorating, time with extended family, and time with friends. We feel badly for the family who will miss the presence of the uncle and cousin, but in the end, to not travel after the chaos of an airport closed for two days…well, it’s a relief.

Had the snowstorm hit a week earlier, it would have forced New Life Church to cancel its second weekend of the “Wonderland” performances. Again, all went as planned, and cast, crew, singers and orchestra members were safe at home the past few days. As a member of the worship choir, I was among the cast who participated in most of the eight performances over two weekends. Wonderland is a Hollywood-style, huge Christmas show that features a cast of hundreds singing and dancing not only Christmas carols, but much more. It featured a country western, line dancing version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” a show-stopping performance of “Be Our Guest” complete with bigger-than-life costumed “Luminaire” (the candle from “Beauty and the Beast”), hosts “Jack” and “Colby” who are supposed to be babysitting four children who together wreak havoc on the sitters throughout the show. If you’re in the Colorado Springs area next year, I suggest you buy tickets to Wonderland and come! It’s a fantastic show.

Merry Christmas to all! Blessings on your New Year. Keep the faith. The Lord has come.