It's official...tomorrow is my kids' third snow day in a row. Well, it's actually not the snow that's the problem, it's the temperature. Wind chills in Kansas are currently dipping down to about -25 degrees. It's insane.
The kids, however, are giddy!
It's always exciting to have unexpected days off. They've already enjoyed two full days of lounging around the house in their PJs.
I, on the other hand, always work from home. But, I've also enjoyed the company of the kids on these bitterly cold days. There is something nostalgic about these lazy days with the kids that make them special.
This morning as I sat at the table with my laptop and fresh cup of coffee, I considered the fact that my kids were still tucked into their beds...all warm and cozy...sleeping in. They're warm. They're with me. They're safe.
Not everyone is so lucky.
As I sat in my warm home drinking my hot cup of coffee, I tried to imagine spending the night outside with dirty clothes, a coat, and an old blanket or two to keep me warm. I tried. I failed. I simply can't imagine it.
This line of thought led to the next: What is my responsibility?
The answer is...I don't know.
What I do know is that I can think of lots of excuses for inaction. There are shelters, right? I donate to charities that help these people so I'm doing my share. What could I do to help anyway...bring strangers to my home?! I don't even know where to find these people! Yes, lots of excuses.
And even when I start brainstorming things I could do, other issues enter my mind. After all, there are millions of problems in this world and I only have so much time available in a day. Starvation. Lack of clean water. Loneliness. Homelessness. War. Abuse. Neglect. The list is endless, global, and overwhelming. Pain and suffering are alive and well.
I honestly don't know where to begin.
This is why it's so important that I pay attention to what God is calling me to do. God has blessed me with specific gifts that will allow me to fulfill a specific purpose in His plan.
To be quite honest, I have not yet figured out my purpose. No matter. God knows...and He'll lead me as long as I continue to pay attention.
This world is as close to hell as I ever plan to get. Sadly, this world is as close to heaven as some will ever get. All of the issues of pain and suffering I listed above take a back seat to this one fact.
So tomorrow in the warmth of my home with my kids lounging in their pajamas, fuzzy socks on my feet, and something tasty simmering in the crock pot, I will thank God for my blessings.
And I will feel guilty for my blessings.
Lord, use me! If not to bring comfort to others in this world, use me to bring Your children to You. So they can be warm. They can be with You. And they can be safe.
In the comfort of Your house.
For eternity.
