Adventures and Weather

It is crazy outside.

And I am at work.

I can peek through the window and see the branches of trees and bushes bowing and cracking under layers of snow and ice. It truly is breathtaking. But not so fun to drive in. As Chaz was driving me to work, the whole world seemed to be transformed. We noticed trees we had never seen before. The only reason today was different from other days is because of the layers of white, heavy, wet snow coating the landscape like frosting. It almost seems as if someone took the trees and dipped them in a white chocolate fondue. How sweet would that be? How come I don't see God's beautiful creation daily? I only seem to see it when something is abstract about it (i.e. snow, blooming spring, fall, etc.)

Last night it snowed like crazy. Well, first yesterday we got a thick coating of ice which is to blame for power outages all over Eastern Iowa (including at my parents' home). This also let the snow stick better and thicker to the trees, as well as caused many limbs to snap, including the tree in front of Kim's house. Then last night it snowed like crazy. This morning before work our drive and parking lot hadn't even been cleared. Chaz came to the rescue and cleared the way for my wimpy little car to get through. What a sweetheart. And an adventurer. Which is something I like a lot about him.

Friday night Chaz and I went to the mewithoutYou show in Iowa City. Threats of bad weather didn't stop us, and we were kept safe most of the way...except for a patch outside of Des Moines. We were going 45 for a good amount of time. The drive took us 2 1/2 hours, and we arrived there only to discover that the show was sold out! What to do? We sat there as two dejected fans for a decent amount of time. We could hear the throbbing bass of the music through the floorboards. I was bummed and a bit cross and not at all optimistic about getting into the show. Chaz was patient. I waited with him because I trust him. His patience and my trust was rewarded...

(guy walks up to us sitting on a bench) "Lemme guess...you drove a long way and the show's sold out."

(us, sheepish) "yes"

"How far did you come?"

(chaz) "We're from Ames, but it took us 2 1/2 hours." (me chiming in) "We ran into ice!"

(guy thinks, nods his head toward the stairs) "Give the man ten bucks and get upstairs...As the owner of a bar, I hate to have people upset!"

(us...in shock) "Thank you!!"

We laughed and jumped for joy once we got into the show. Things like this always seem to happen to us, and it is so amazing! I was once again doubting and proven wrong, and I was also once again thankful for Chaz's patience. It was probably one of the most fun shows I've been to in a good, long while. We also gave it up for the Big Guy upstairs. How are we so deserving of what we are given in life? And while we are not deserving, why are we still given even the small things we desire in life (like seeing a show)?

I'm glad that I can see God in the small things. Like in safety in driving. And miraculously getting into a show. And snow. And beauty in creation. And work, I guess (I am getting a lot of studying done, after all).