Memory 1985
Bradford County, PA
The awaited moment has come-the list of canceled schools projects from the radio. A quiet hush fills the kitchen as we stare intently at the radio with bated breath. The announcer lists the schools that are closed in alphabetical order: “Athens Area school district.” Loud cheers explode throughout the house as the children rejoice in another day to stay home and play in the snow.
January 2026
Lebanon County, PA
The weather app warns of an approaching winter storm. An email appears in my message box informing that all church services and activities will not be meeting. While the family puts a puzzle together, music projects from a speaker connected by bluetooth to the cellphone. Children climb up the snow pile made by the snow plow and sled down the steep slope. Cheers of joy fill the cul-de-sac as they rejoice in another day to stay home and play in the snow.
Our forms of communciation have changed since 1985, but the thrill of snow days remains.
Then and Now
Then I was a teenager living with my cousins. Now I am a wife and mother of my own children.
Then I was looking forward to grand adventures. Now I look back and reminisce.
Time to Ponder
Time marches on, and my age is closer to the end than the beginning. How do I want people to remember me? What goals do I want to accomplish before I die?
Maybe on a snowy day in the future, my grandchildren will reread my blogs on some “newfangled” device. Maybe my children will tell them stories of “Grandma Tina”. What will they say of me? Did I leave a legacy of joy? Will the story of my life inspire others in their faith?
Scripture
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.Psalm 90:12
Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for snow, puzzles, sleds, popcorn, and quiet times to reflect on our lives. I want my life to make a difference. I want people to be inspired to trust You. Use my blogs to point people to the cross. Use my life to encourage those who are struggling. Mold me into a woman of faith- a woman who plows through the storm and leaves a path for others to follow.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Shout out to Julia! Way to go for all the delicious Christmas cookies you baked. You are AMAZING! So many people are blessed by your generosity.
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