Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Power of Prayer....Sorry!

Shane and I are lovers of the snow. There is nothing that we crave more than a cozy evening by the fire watching the snow lazily drift by. Somehow we have ended up in the South where a mere mention of flurries closes schools and public offices. (I am not exaggerating. Just a chance of flurries.) This year we are spending our Christmas holiday in my hometown of Spokane, Washington. We have been looking forward to this vacation all year. In the sweltering heat of August it was our snowy little oasis. Lydia and I have finally arrived. Shane will join us for a few days, but Lydia and I will be here for 3 weeks. Three weeks of hot chocolate, thick sweaters and catching snow on our tongues. At least that was the hope. For this to be the vacation we dreamed of, we must have snow. Snow is not optional. With a new baby on the way, the hellish 14 hour flight to get here will not be feasible anymore. We have to make this Christmas count.

Starting last spring Shane and I started to pray for snow. Literally. It wasn't every night, but often amidst our family prayers, a request for a snowy Christmas was made.

Monday Lydia and I arrived in Washington to see a little sift of snow frosting the ground. Hardly anything, but I thought, better than nothing. The next day it started to snow. By Wednesday we had a idyllic winter wonderland. I ecstatically called Shane with the news. "Bring warm clothes! It is freezing!" I warned. I took a walk outside to capture some of the majesty on film. For me, life doesn't get much better than the absolute silence that permeates the air after a heavy snow. The crunch of my boots, the crisp air chilling my cheeks. Total bliss. I bundled Lydia up and she ventured out for a "special treat" and began feasting on the bounty. Yum. Even I grabbed a handful and started munching. My sister Emily and I believed that if you wished hard enough that you could make the snow taste like chocolate ice cream. I swear it worked. At least when I was 7.


Today. Today is not like yesterday. We have had 19.5 inches in 24 hours. The snow just will not stop. Today the entire city is at a standstill. EVERYTHING is closed. I mean everything. The hospital, the electric company, of course the schools. The only thing I have heard is still up and running is the jail. (And the emergency room) My parents have lived here for over 30 years. They both say they have never seen a snow like this.

Spokane is ready for snow. This is Washington. We don't have snow days willy nilly. My parent's home is in the mountains and we own a mammoth snow plow to allow us to escape our winding driveway. We own one. That is how prepared we are over here. Last night my Dad could hardly get the plow to move. This morning he greeted Lydia with a hug and said "You know. This is all your mommy and daddy's fault. They prayed so hard for snow, this is what we got."

Still, I am in heaven. I am inside my warm childhood home with the snow filling each windowsill. My Christmas shopping is done. My mom and I are going to spend the afternoon wrapping gifts and baking before the rest of my family arrives tomorrow. With Christmas music playing, the fire burning and Lydia joyously playing with the dog on the floor, it still doesn't get much better than this. I just hope the planes can land tomorrow. I'll start praying.

6 comments:

Kelli said...

most of my family lives in Spokane, I called my grandma and she told me all about the snow and the drifts up to her windows. We only have a few inches on the other side of the mountain. I Love love love the snow also, send some this way. Have tons of fun

Unknown said...

How wonderful! It just sounds like a fairy tale kind of place. I am very jealous. I loved your Dad's comment too. I had to laugh out loud. Have a great Christmas!

emily said...

We're leaving a warm place for Christmas in the northwest in a few days too. And I heard about all the snow and cold up there...it's going to be a Christmas to remember. Your post almost made me cry thinking about going to see family for a white Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Are You Serious! said...

♥ Beautiful land and snow and you look great in red! :)

I hope you guys have a great Christmas with your snow... The power of prayer is awesome! :)

beba said...

I think you sent the snow down here to Utah! Kate loved frolicing in the snow! Too bad Lydia and Kate cannot frolic togehter. Have fun up there!

Natalie Jane said...

Wendy - (Beba) - Lydia keeps talking about making a Christmas card for Kate and for her to come and play. Makes me sad. We may have several cards for her when we get home :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...