Snowed in?

I'm looking out on a blanket of white, you could say I'm virtually snowed in. Everyone's talking about the snow, its the main topic of conversation it would seem.

What has struck me though, despite the inconvenience it has maybe caused, it has bought some gifts too.
 
Parents have had enforced "Snow days" either because their children's schools have been closed, or they themselves cannot get into work. It's made for fun and frolicks in the snow, building snowmen, sledging and making snow angels !
 
It's not  so bad then, if quality time with the family has been a side effect of the tons of snow.And it does make the run up to Christmas extra special. It makes me recall years gone by as a child, when we actually had snow around Christmas time!

“Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together"

Also its been amazing to see people helping one another, wether its been helping dig out the neighbours car, 4x4 drivers taking supplies to cut off villages or providing transport for Dr's and nurses at local hospitals.

Extreme weather, its seems brings out a sense of community within us.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could bottle it; that sense of commmunity, kindness and acting with a servants heart, to be used daily, all year around?

As a result of being snowed in yesterday I had the opportunity to watch one of my all time old black and white movies, "It's a wonderful life" with James Stewart.
 
The tale of a man; George Bailey, who in debt, feels that his only way forward is to take his own life, he feels he is worth more dead than alive, until he is saved by his guardian angel "Clarence" who is trying to earn his "Wings".
 
Clarence shows him how life would be if he had never been born. It demonstrates just how many lives we touch, just by being here ourselves, and that without each and every one of us the World would be a lesser place.The film ends with George surrounded by his family,all his friends and neighbours around the Christmas tree, where each and everyone of them brings money to help him.

The snow has certainly made me consider just how blessed I am. I have a roof over my head,warmth from the open fire and time to reflect quietly away from the world on what a wonderful life I have.An enforced time of contemplation for the year thats just coming to an end and an opprtunity to dream for the new one that's just ahead.

The cold temperatures have also made me consider those less fortunate than myself too. Did you know that there are around one million people in Britain that are homeless? Half a million of those are living on the street,in shop doorways and the other half are living in squats or shelters.

I urge you today to spare a thought for those out in the cold. May they be blessed with love, care and warmth. Some great work is being done to reduce the numbers of those effected by homelessness by organisatons such as  http://www.shelter.org.uk/  and http://centrepoint.org.uk/. If you feel that you can help in some way today, then I urge you to do so. 

It took the servere weather to remind me of my own gratitude for the simple things like having a hot bath and a warm bed.

So if you find yourself bemoaning the snow, I urge you to take a moment to relish in the gifts it has bought you today, and allow it to act as a reminder of all the many things you can have gratitude for.

Snowflakes are kisses from heaven- Author unknown

Snowmen fall from heaven... unassembled.  ~Author Unknown

When it snows, you have two choices:  shovel or make snow angels.  ~Author Unknown

Until next time,
make every moment count,
Lisa xxx