Christian Living

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Dealing With The Blizzards Of Life
©
by

Stephen A. Peterson


In Oklahoma, during the winter months, occasionally, one may experience a blizzard. A blizzard is where the air becomes so filled with snow coupled with high wind speed such that a person cannot see more than an arms length in front of them. When an Oklahoma blizzard begins, the situation appears so beautiful and harmless. In a relatively short time, a person driving an automobile in such a storm will very quickly move from a comfortable feeling of awe and beauty about what they are witnessing to feeling totally helpless—especially if one is driving along an Oklahoma highway. Generally, an Oklahoma blizzard will present roads underlain with ice causing an additional hazard to drivers not experienced to Oklahoma winter driving. This situation was what I had experienced in January, during the winter of 2001-2002.

I had driven from Pryor, Oklahoma in the far northeastern section of the State trying to get back to Shawnee, Oklahoma near the center more than 120 miles away following a military drill weekend. As I headed south on state highway 69, the snow began falling lightly barely touching the car windshield. However, the situation changed dramatically as I passed by the little town of Chouteau. The weather became so treacherous requiring me to slow down from 60 miles per hour to barely 10 miles per hour. Apprehension about driving home began to enter my mind when I witnessed a semi-tractor trailer truck roar by me then swerve off the road, hit a utility pole and the back end of the truck flip over more than once scattering its contents. Several cars and trucks stopped to the assist the driver so I moved on.

It seemed the daylight gave way to darkness quicker than normal. The situation grew even worse. The highway by 6 o’clock in the evening was covered with sheets of ice that were difficult to see. Yet some drivers, both out-of-state and in-state tried to drive fast only to slide off into a ditch, slide and flip over landing into ditches or just stop off on one side of the highway. Twice I stopped to offer assistance or to let an unfortunate driver use my cell telephone to call their family, get a wrecker and get to someplace to stay overnight. I believed, however, that with caution and persistence, I could make it to Shawnee. Then all at once I was enveloped by such a blinding combination of snow and high winds that I prayed for safety and protection still driving no more than 10 or 15 miles per hour. Believe me; it was frightening to try to stay focused while watching other vehicles go off the road then slip off the road several times yourself.

After a slow, nerve racking trek, I finally reached Shawnee and pulled into the driveway after nearly 11 hours on the highway for a trip that normally takes less than 2 hours! I counted my blessings, said a brief prayer of thanksgiving and trudged slowly to the front door with the thought: “I’m sure glad to be home in one piece!”

Once I sat down, had something to eat and unwind, I wondered if I will have a similar feeling when I enter heaven. The dangerous blizzards and the treacherous highway of life of our earthly journey will be over. The disappointments, fears, temptations, stresses and failures will also be in the past. But best of all, we will be happy, full of joy and safe in the hands of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Yes, those in Christ will be so happy and glad to be home. Our REAL home!

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