What to Do on a Cold Day

When I woke up this morning, the temperature was -5 and the wind chill was -15. Where you live that might seem unbearably cold or it might seem warm. I spent most of my life in Texas. These temperatures in Texas would mean that everything would be shut down and everyone would be bundled up in their heaviest clothes trying to stay warm. But here in Colorado, only a few places are closed, a few more are delaying their opening for two hours, and the rest are business as usual.

Across the United States today, many are experiencing much lower temperatures than here. Travel is impossible in some places because of strong winds, ice, or heavy snow. The Inauguration of the President today has been moved inside instead of the traditional ceremony outside the Capitol.

Because I am retired, I have the privilege of staying at home today in a comfortably warm house. I realize that not everyone has that opportunity. So this morning I began to think of all the things I can especially be thankful for on a cold day.

• For a house that is insulated and a furnace that works.

• For warm clothes - including a coat, gloves, and hat if I need to go outside.

• For heaters in cars for those that must be out.

• For first responders who have no choice about being at work today - Lord, keep them warm and safe.

• For shelters that provide a warm place for those who are homeless - Lord, give them all the opportunity to be inside in a safe and warm environment.

• For people who donate coats and blankets to those who are without those precious items.

• For the city, county, and state employees whose jobs involve keeping roads clear and utilities operational.

• For the medical personnel and hospital facilities that will care for those who suffer injury or illness because of the cold.

• For the privilege to pray for needs and give thanks for blessings to the one, true God who is the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all life. Lord, keep us all safe and under your care whether the weather be cold or hot, wet or dry, windy or calm, stormy or peaceful, or sunny or cloudy.

  
  

Maybe you can start your own list of the things you are thankful for on a cold day.

On this cold day, may the love of God be the source of warmth and thankfulness in your life as you negotiate the weather in your area of our country.