A social media post we saw over the weekend really struck us. It was from a Wilmington Christian radio station, and read: “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow.”
Judging from the photos you shared with us, we’re sure plenty of our readers truly did find joy in the snow, but there may be a few of us who have lamented being stuck at home and dreading the tough task of digging out our yards and vehicles. After all, we’re not exactly used to the white stuff in this part of the world.
Instead of giving in to the snow doldrums, perhaps we should think as children, and find the simple joys in the snow, like building a snowman (or snowwoman!), enjoying snowball fights, four-wheeling, or just taking in the pretty views. After all, didn’t Jesus once say, “Truly, I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven”? (Matthew 18:3)
If Jesus said it, there must be some truth in it. Now, we’re not saying to take that advice and go off the deep end, behaving childishly at your job or with your spouse, but it’s OK to take the time every now and then to embrace your inner child and just enjoy all that life has to offer. Is the snow an inconvenience? Sure. Will we be glad when it’s melted and we can go about our day-to-day as usual? Maybe. But we can also take whatever life gives us — whether it be snow, a disappointment, a loss — and find the joy in it.
After all, as the social media post said, if you choose begrudging behavior over finding the joy, you’ll still have the same amount of snow, so you might as well find a way to accept and enjoy it.
It’s good life advice not only for getting through a winter storm, but each and every day after that. Maybe things don’t go as you expect at work, maybe you miss out on a promotion you desperately wanted — but there’s still joy to be found.
Something we’ve found that really helps get through tough situations is practicing gratitude. Every night, before bed, try writing down three things you are grateful for that day. Some days, that task is easier than on others. But writing it down, makes you stop, think and find those little things that often escape us. It could be something as simple as your kids playing in the snow, or that tasty bowl of snow cream, or that the sun is out today. It could be that you didn’t lose power during the storm, or your dog bounding through the snow, making you laugh. Whatever it is, we guarantee there’s something to be thankful for every single day.
So take time to stop, think and jot them down. You’ll be glad you did.
Even on the worst days, there is joy to be found. So, when Sampson County gets a snow day, as it has lately, we hope you easily find the joy in that, whether it’s time with your family and pets, or time to catch up on things you have let go around the house, or just taking a breather from the stress of everyday life.
Whatever it is, try to find the joy in it. All it really takes is looking for it.