Theresa wanted to live in a cabin in the woods, and her impression of
Colorado winters was about to change our first married winter there. She was
from So Cal, where people freeze when the temp hits below 50, so in no way was
she ready for the 500 inches of snow we had that winter. Or the days that it
would get up to minus 10. But somehow we got up every morning, and drove to
town to work. Only a 27 mile drive, going all the way down to 6500” elevation
in Durango. For we lived at 8300” at Vallecito Lake, in a real log cabin, in a
national forest. And despite heavy snow, one time we had 96 inches in 96 hours,
nobody missed work-you dealt with it. And only one day did we miss, when we got
out before the plows, if you think you are tough, try driving a plow in zero
visibility blizzards, with no guardrails in the mountains. No do overs when you
fall hundreds of feet down off a cliff, so you learn to drive. But that one day
we did beat the plows, we did make it almost ten miles from home, and were
within a half mile of being on the down side when our Rabbit couldn’t push the
snow anymore-we only had 18” at the time, higher than the front bumper, and it
was still coming down, so we had to back down the road for almost 5 miles-head
out the window, and my beard froze and broke off. Consider that next time you
get cold, or complain about the weather. But other than that, we never failed
to get out, but sometimes it would take longer than others.
When it gets below zero, cars are slow to start, oil turns to molasses, and
once started, take forever to warm up. But don’t worry, spring is coming in 4
months. But the Rabbit never failed to start, and was the hero in our group of
cabins one morning when it hit –42f. Slowly it turned, and then we jump started
others, who helped others. What neighbors did, and if one went to town, would
check with the others for supplies needed. But the snow could get deep,
remember the snow plow guys, and so you put a broom handle standing up against
the car, high enough to be seen, so it didn’t get hit, or buried. And more than
once, followed the plow into town, when we could keep up with them. But like
any neighborhood, there were 72 of us on 22 miles of shoreline, there is always
one who stands out, proving every village as an idiot. Ours was Butch, who
owned the lodge next door, and the tractor with a plow attachment. We were only
renters, and he reminded us every chance he got, including one subzero morning
when he plowed us in after clearing his drive. When he demanded $50 to dig us
out, I said “hold on, I’ll be right back.” And as I approached him, he smiled
thinking he was going to be $50 richer, but the joke was on him. I wasn’t
alone, I had Mr. Ruger with me, all .357 magnum of him. And after reminding him
I had one bullet for each cylinder of his tractor, he decided to dig me out, and
in the future even cleared a spot for me. Without even a shot being fired! He
had faith, I had works. You decide.
How deep is a lot of snow? Deep enough that houses are built with doors on
the second floor leading outside. So deep I stood in snow and washed second
story windows. The dogs steeped down onto the roof and slept by the chimney.
So as I watch the blizzard warnings on TV, I am reminded of big snow, where we
slowed down, but never stopped. Even growing up in Jersey, where snow is gray,
I didn’t find out its true color until Colorado, we rarely missed school. My
dad was a teacher, and would get called early, a phone chain set up to call
others, and rarely did he get the call. And if he did, I still delivered the
Star Ledger every morning, rain, sleet, or snow. Maybe teachers and paperboys
were tougher than we gave them credit. But life went on....Now in Colorado, you
can get snow in the mountains any time of year. One 4th of July had me going
over Red Mountain Pass on my Z-1 in a t-shirt, and 3 days later following the
plow over Wolf Creek Pass, in the snow! So I have had my fill, and if it going
to snow, let it snow somewhere else. A lesson learned all because Theresa
wanted to live in a cabin in the woods, now we live in So Cal, a much better
choice for those of us who ride. And, by the way, only one winter did we store
the bike, when we couldn’t get it the 100 feet from the cabin to the street.
But one long day of digging out in 3 feet of snow cured that. So as I prepare
for a high of 85 degrees today, I can say to all of you stuck in the snow-been
there, done that, got the shovel to prove it. While you shovel, we go to the
beach.
Now winter is mentioned 16 times in the Bible. Cold and snow are no
stranger to God, we need them to ski and for snowmobiling, and for the water we
fill our pools with in summer. Each season has its purpose, winter for snow,
summer for riding, spring for baseball,and fall for football. Just like God
intended. So He created the seasons for a reason, even tilted the earth 23
degrees on its axis so we would have them. But in reference to Jesus, He tells
us of a season of His return. Not the date, or the time, but a season. So
those who are watching will know and be ready. And the warnings are
there...just watch the news. As the south gets pounded with snow, and we get
pounded with heat and draught, His warnings of unusual weather in that season
are there for all to see. We now have tornado and hurricane seasons-just a
media hype or has the increase alarmed you too? How many tsunamis do you
remember growing up? So He warns us to be alert, to be looking. Matthew warns
us to pray your flight isn’t in winter, long before the Wright Brothers. Acts
tells us of frozen harbors that make Phoenix unreachable in winter-Arizona?
Jeremiah tells of the king sitting before a fire in winter, safe from the cold.
So don’t forget God has created both summer and winter for us, which should come
as no surprise. Except to the media, who over react to the weather, rather than
turning to God. When in cold and warm, it is best to rest in Him.
So look to Jesus today, that season is upon us. But He also talks of a day
of salvation, He calls it today. If saved, you have had your day, rejoice in
it. If not, today may be your day. Step out of your comfort zone, and into the
arms of a loving God. Follow Him in faith, just like we used to follow the
plow. And remember, the only day we never made it was getting out before Him,
and trying to make it on our own. May be a lesson there for all of us. That
day it only cost me a beard, what will not following God cost you?
The rain falls on the just and the unjust. So does the snow. A lesson
learned all because Theresa wanted to live in a cabin in the woods.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.