Snowed In

Much of Northeastern Ohio is snowed in today. We sit in our homes, unable to proceed with self-determined goals and expectations for these days. Some are exasperated...gnashing teeth, wringing hands, because they are unable to do what they want to do. Others are resting in the peace and joy of time that is given to simply "be" snowed in.

The habit of doing what I want, at the pace that I want, in the sequence that I determine can bind me in a lifestly that is totally focused upon "my will". Over time, that can be a life that is limited in scope, spiritually myopic. Over time, that habit leads to death.

As we walk with the story of Lazarus this week (see Painted Prayer Book) we have an opportunity to gaze at the regions of our life that are binding us up in ways that constrict the flow of love and life. It's not that we necessarily choose death over life....it is simply that we are led deeper into the darkness (death) by the many, many ways that the way of the world diverts us. The world encourages and affirms habits that are NOT centered in the freedom of heart that Christ invites. Without Christ and His love as the factor which orders and clarifies our priorities, we may become paralyzed by the burdens and barriers of the world. We may feel encased by worry or we may be frantically careening from one poor choice after another. Whatever it looks like, eventually we become stuck -- immovable -- dead.

Today is a day when this corner of the world has an opportunity to do things differently, at a different pace. Perhaps it is a day when most of us had planned a full slate of activities. Now, many of the hours are free for something else. We can choose to use some of this time to take a slow, full, deep breath of Christ's presence. The scriptures are inviting us to dwell in the miracle of Christ's power to free us from all that is death.

Give thanks for the breath of life....the fresh freedom your spirit may receive on this snowy, blowy day when the world of Northeastern Ohio must slow down, perhaps even stand still.