I was visiting friends in Florida this week when I noticed the news of a snow storm headed to my home area of Virginia. I was enjoying warm, clear weather; I was with, as I said, dear friends; we had plans for some fun outings. I had one more day to soak it all up. A snow storm was not on my radar!

But I remembered several years ago I was traveling home when I got caught by a huge snow storm. I got as far as Philadelphia when the Virginia airports began to close and flights were cancelled. Nothing into D.C., Roanoke, Richmond, Charlottesville. Nothing. So I quickly got a hotel room nearby and hunkered down. While I was safe and warm and had roomservice, I did not want to do a repeat of that. So sadly, I called the airline  yesterday morning and got a flight out a day early. I informed my gracious hosts who were kind enough to fuss about it but took me to the airport anyway.

All the flights were crowded but on time. I arrived in time to go to the food store. The shelves, predictaley were bare…I wanted leeks. And would you belive even they were gone! Who shops for leeks before a storm?! Milk. Bread. Yes. But leeks?  (I plan to make a hearty soup. I found the receipe in Simple magazine at the airport! It sounded good and I was hungry when I read it. At that point everything sounded good! )

So far, no snow…but I do have bread and milk – and leeks. (They say the snow will begin later…)

I felt fortunate in both cases to be able to get out of the storm. I think of those who head into the storm to protect us: emergency personel, highway workers, police, power crews…all those that serve us. Even this morning as I heard the garbage truck outside my house…it was so cold but they came – I can almost set my clock by them. Faithfully serving in the cold, dark winter. Do folks  notice or care? They would if the garbage collector didn’t show up. They would if the power crews didn’t come. They would if the roads didn’t get plowed…

And what about their families? They also serve us as they send their loved one out. They do the heavy lifting at home so their loved one can do it for us…

While not the same, I saw my Mother stay home to tend us while she sent my father out to serve time after time. While you are thanking our public servants, thank your pastor and spouse – even if you don’t much care for his/her preaching. They are serving in one of the most difficult jobs in the world.

Maybe it is time to write a “thank you” note to your police department, rescue squad, highway patrol, garbage collector, pastor…at least say ‘thanks’ when you see them.  It’s been  a long winter…they need encouragement. And while you are at it – say a quick prayer for them.

PS – I’ll let you know if the soup is good!