Oh No! Not a Snow Day In November

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Yes, it certainly is! I can’t remember when there was a day in November that it snowed so much that every school was closed.

I knew yesterday that it would probably be one and the kids were eagerly anticipating it. Then I got the early morning automated calls that yes, indeed, school would be canceled for today (so far 16″ of snow).

I wonder why days like this throw my whole routine off. I cannot seem to get anything accomplished. More gets done on a Saturday, even with everyone here. But, when it is not in my schedule I really have a hard time adjusting. Change can be hard – at least this is the case for me.

Why is that? Lately, I have come to realize that anything out of my routine can and usually will affect my day. I have a hard time living in the present. I worry about the plans that will be messed up. The chores that will have to wait another day. The conflict that will undoubtedly occur with all 5 kids home.

What is the secret?

There is a secret I have heard of that I always want to remember to put into practice when things unexpectedly like this happen at the last minute. It is to be present in the moment and enjoy what is happening now. To take a look at the moment I am in, and decide on living it out with the intention of practicing presence. That means living in the moment – on purpose.

Today, I am tackling the job of getting some drawers cleaned out that were well overdue. I have had to break up fights, make lunch, make more coffee than usual and clean up more messes. The first half of the day was spent silently complaining about the way I saw this unfair inconvenience.

Then suddenly it occurred to me to take a moment and look at my situation from a different angle. (I have specifically prayed for this particular reminder) An angle that came from truly looking to find just one blessing. Once I decided to do this, my day seemed to just fall into place.

Yes, my day is not going as planned. But, I also got to have coffee with my husband this morning. I got to have a longer prayer time. We even got to gather the kids for a family rosary – with no arguments I might add! The snow is beautiful, I am warm, my coffee is strong, I got drawers cleaned out and I can say that since I have intentionally counted my blessings, in this moment, I am truly content and happy.

I can change my mood

So, I am trying to be intentional in this way of thought. I know that when plans are changed last minute, or I’m asked to do something not scheduled, or even an unannounced visitor arrives and my house is a total embarrassing wreck, I will have to intentionally be intentional. In other words, to acknowledge & embrace the blessing of each moment, rather than paying attention to the inconvenience of disruption. We have to look at what is truly important and what truly matters and what is certainly a blessing. Then we have to proceed in that mindset.

I know a God who loves me more than I can ever imagine. I have a husband who loves me and wants to live and be with me. I have a home very much lived in. I have 10 children and 5 still home making messes, fighting, hugging, praying with me, creating crafts to show love. There is so much in my life to be grateful for. I just have to take a deep breath, refocus, intentionally think of these blessings and be thankful.

It just took a snow day in November to realize it!