Snow makes everything slow down…at least it does here in the South.
It makes us slow down.
Whether we like it or not, snow takes away our ability to go and run everywhere we think we need to go.
We are forced to slow down and get still.
And I love it.

We get so busy and so wrapped up in life that unless we find ourselves in a situation where we can’t get out and go, go, go…we never slow down and get still.
I think we’ve made our lives way too busy.

The South has always been seen as a place where we do things more slowly than other places, but that’s really not the case anymore, is it? (…other than the way we talk, of course. 😉)
Our walks have turned into runs.
Our leisurely days are now filled with things to do and places to go.
We don’t have time to sit on the porch and talk anymore because we don’t have 10 minutes to waste.
Life is supposed to be slower here, but we’ve traded that in for the hectic busyness that keeps us running.

Since we see less snow, we are less prepared for it than our northern neighbors, and everything comes to a screeching halt when it arrives.
Some people do absolutely nothing but grumble and complain until they can get out and get going again.
But not everyone.
Some of us enjoy the stillness and quietness that comes with these snow days and see it as a gift.

Sure, I run around along with everyone else, just doing what life requires.
But that isn’t my preference.
I like to walk slowly and notice things.
I know it’s a cliche, but I enjoy sitting on a porch swing, and would be happy doing that for hours.
I like things at a slower pace.
Snow gives me the opportunity to do just that.

Have you noticed when we slow down and get still, we see things we would have missed if we were running around?
Is this not the case in our Christian lives?
If we rush through a devotion and speed read our chapter because we’re already thinking about everything we need to do, are we really going to get what God intended for us to have?
No.
He intends for us to slow down and take the time to pay attention and listen for His voice.

I know it’s difficult to flip that switch in our brain when we’re so used to running and making plans and doing what must be done…but it’s necessary.
We can’t have a relationship with someone we never spend time with.
In a marriage, you have to set aside some time devoted just to your spouse to make them feel loved and special and important to you.

It’s the same with our relationship with Christ.
He must be made a priority.
How many times in God’s Word does He tell us to “be still” or “stand still?”
He knows the way we are.
He knows our tendency to hurry.
He knows our need for stillness, even if we don’t know it ourselves.

He’s given us Southerners the gift of stillness this week.
Let’s take advantage of it and spend some time with Him.