Greetings, Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the community!
Certainly a wild week of weather has passed by us. Devastating tornadoes in the mid and southern states; and here in Wisconsin we had about 2,000 drivers trapped in their vehicles near Madison this week when a storm hit there. Apparently two semi-trailer trucks got stuck going up a hill on the expressway, and that ended up blocking traffic for 19 miles. More snow came in, and many of the people were trapped for up to 15 hours. The Governor called out the National Guard to assist.
There is a standard survival package that should be kept in our northern cars during winter for times such as this. Some of the items include:
· A snow shovel – if you can get out of your car to use it
· A gallon of drinking water – if it’s not frozen
· A red flag to tie onto your car antenna – a Wisconsin Badger pennant will do.
· A can of Sterno or a coffee can, candle and matches – this will serve as a make-shift heater (keep your window open a crack)
· Your cell phone – so you can talk with friends while you’re waiting to be rescued
· Magazines or crossword puzzle books to keep your mind off of frost-bitten toes
· Snow shoes – in case you must attempt to walk somewhere, but it is not recommended
· A First Aid kit – but most wounds freeze quickly anyway
· An extra blanket and pillow – in case you finish the magazines or crosswords puzzle books
· A flash light
· And, of course, chocolate and/or beef jerky – to trade with other stranded motorists for blankets or matches
OK, you ask, where am I going with this? Well, it made me think about when we are on our spiritual journey and get stuck. Many times I will be sailing along, and sooner or later I seem to have gotten off track and stuck in a spiritual snow drift. My joy seems to have slipped away, the rhythm of my day is shot, and things are beginning to look a little bleak outside.
Time to grab the spiritual survival kit. Here’s a few items I would suggest to have handy:
· Your prayer book – get right back to a conversation with God through your prayers
· Your cell phone – call a friend and talk about what’s happening
· Your Rule of Life – this is your daily road map; take a look at where you are and where you’re going
· Count your blessings – keep things in perspective; moods and problems come and go; This, too, shall pass.
· Know that you are loved so very dearly by your Lord and Savior!
· Journal – write a little about what’s happening – putting things to words helps to bring a clearer understanding of what’s happening
· Write a letter to someone and thank them for something; bless them for being who they are
· Nature – get out a get under the moon! An oldie oldie song that reminds us to take a walk
· Go to Mass – the place where all our worlds become one in Him
· Chocolate – well, this may not be for you, but it is a personal favorite of mine (in moderation)
What would you add to either list in your case? I’d be curious to know.
Well, the weather is improving – as I write this the temperature has climbed to -10 degrees and the wind chill has improved to -30 degrees. Gosh, I can almost see a crocus popping up!
Love you all,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
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