Blizzard conditions were just down the road. Unbeknownst to us, the snow was blinding, and the roadway was covered with white. We eagerly set out for our destination. On this January evening, we were heading to our home at Heritage Farm. It was my hope that we would “beat” any stormy conditions that might be brewing.
Interstate highway travel is generally rather humdrum and simple. Motorists zoom cross-country with minimal interruptions in the 65-80 mile per hour progress. The trip for us turned out to be uneventful as we said good bye to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Making our way to points southward began with a relaxed and jubilant mood. With the city traffic behind us, our excited chatter turned to the trophies the girls were bringing home to show their Dad. We enjoyed recounting the happenings of the past fun-filled weekend we had spent at a Bible Quiz Tournament.
However, the frivolity of the evening took a sour turn as we moved into heavy snow flurries. After a short while, I realized that it was time to slow down dramatically and to be extra cautious. Due to poor visibility, we began to push our way through the snow-covered four-lane highway at 25-30 miles per hour.
Thick, white flakes slammed into the windshield demanding attention and nearly blinding me to the more important view of the roadway. The blackness of the night crowded in to obscure the neighboring scenery. The pavement with its white and yellow road lines was no longer visible. Alarm gripped me as I realized that, like it or not, this storm would threaten us for miles.
Not driving in the storm ceased to be an option. My three daughters and I had committed ourselves to going through the storm. The two younger girls were fast asleep and unconcerned. But my oldest one was at my side encouraging me on and acting as my second pair of eyes. She helped me to see the road that I could not see, which we both knew was there … somewhere.
Faster moving vehicles, including 18-wheelers, tailed behind us as we traveled on at a snail’s pace. Eventually, many passed and sped on their way as if they were unconcerned that they could not see well ahead. “Or could they,” I wondered. They seemed to feel the freedom to cruise on past us when I could not even see a few feet in front of our bumper.
Were my headlights dirty? Why was it so hard for me to see? It was a mystery to me. But this was certainly not the time or place to pull over and check them. The all too real possibility existed that we could be the start of some 10-car pileup or some other morbid statistic. We had to keep moving forward, there was no question about that. Alertly we watched the roadway for signs of a safe haven. I craved for a rest as the storm kept pounding down upon us.
Not long into this scenario, my knees began to shake. My pulse rate soared. I was too scared to keep driving and more afraid not to drive. This, I told myself, was definitely an appropriate time for prayer. Several times I asked aloud for God to give us a break in the weather, but it did not come.
My daughter’s help in watching for the edge of the road became a necessity. Having her perspective of our road position fed my courage as we managed our way along on the lonely, dark path we traveled. While I was focusing on the few feet in front of the car, she directed us away from the edge of the road. Without her encouragement and extra added viewpoint to keep us on the right track, we could have easily ended up in the ditch.
A few short hours earlier, I had checked the weather channel on the television. There was no real indication that this storm would hit us. But regardless of that weather check, here we were fighting to stay on the road and out of trouble. This was definitely an unexpected turn of events.
After experiencing the trauma of fear and treacherous conditions we safely arrived at a shelter where we could spend the rest of the stormy night. The next morning was sunny and peaceful, and the plows had done their jobs so that we could continue on to Heritage Farm in peace and calm.
This little drama from real life can also be a parallel to a different kind of storm, be it an emotional, relational or spiritual one. Consider for a moment that there may be a storm ahead that you cannot foresee. Or, perhaps, you are struggling just to keep your life “on the road and not piled up in a ditch somewhere.” Blackness may be hemming you in from every side or you may be shaken with fears that grip your heart.
It is not shameful to be in a storm. It is a fact of life, they happen. It is not shameful to see only a little way ahead. After all, our eyes are not made to see everything. It is not shameful to fear the real dangers you know could fall upon you. That shows that you have good sense, and it spurs you to caution.
If you should happen to be in such a situation, you may need some outside help and encouragement. Oh, how helpful it was for me to have another’s perspective when I had a need. My daughter saw the situation from a slightly different angle. She was right with me sharing the experience and lending aid with her observations which enabled us to reach our destination safely.
Maybe you need the blessed perspective of someone else as you drive along at a snail’s pace through your blinding storm.
• Definitely, go to the Scriptures for the eternal perspective on issues that concern your life.
• Jesus is a Friend who is always alongside you. He has sent His Holy Spirit to be your teacher, guide and counselor. If, indeed, you have surrendered your life to Him, He will give insight and instruction for any circumstances you may be facing.
• You may need a Christian friend who can be that other “pair of eyes” for you, to help guide you away from a wreck or other disaster.
On the other hand, you may be in the position of being that “pair of eyes” for a friend who is struggling his or her way through an out-of-control storm.
• Be a voice of calm in their desperate circumstances.
• Guide with step-by-step counsel. After all, that is that need of the moment.
• Be watching for signs along the way thereby directing your friend to a safe place to have a break in the pressure.
• Give encouragement as each mile is passed.
• Offer hope that the desired destination is nearer than it was earlier and rest is coming ahead.
• Be a blessing. Encourage and instruct with gentleness, because who knows, the next storm could be yours.
Luke 6:31—”And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them” (RSV).
Butter Pecan Ice Cream (2 quarts)
Toasted nuts:
3 tablespoons butter melted
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
Ice cream:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup maple-flavored pancake syrup
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
On a baking sheet combine butter, pecans, salt, and 1tablespoon sugar and spread into a single layer. Roast pecans at 350° for 15 minutes. Stir nuts and bake for an additional 15 minutes. (My family preferred baking the pecans at 10-minute intervals to prevent scorched flavor.) Cool.
For ice cream, combine the sugars, cornstarch, eggs and syrup in the top of a double boiler. Gradually add milk. Cook over boiling water till mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and chill for several hours or overnight. Stir in nuts, cream and vanilla. Place in ice cream freezer and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. Allow to ripen in ice cream freezer or firm up in your refrigerator freezer an hour before serving.
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