Get Away

The name Snoasis embodies our winter youth retreat. It is a combination of the words snow, and oasis. This year, we had our get away at Penn-York campground in Ulysses, PA.  While we had our retreat, much of the rest of the state was being punished by heavy snow squalls. Unlike other years, it snowed very little at the campground. There was enough snow, however, to enjoy the tubing hill. We got away from the snow, but we had a great retreat. The theme for Snoasis was "whiteout." Youth were challenged to be distinct from the rest of the world by refusing to compromise the truth of the gospel and to live as morally transformed people in an immoral society. It was nice to see the kids have fun and to get away for awhile. Hopefully, the getaway served to strengthen the youth to face their peers and stand as a beacon in a stormy world.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

This morning it was minus 5°F when I woke up. I am glad there is plenty of wood for the furnace and the house is warm. The windows glisten like frosty kaleidoscopes. Birds are busy at the feeder or waiting their turn on a nearby bush puffing their feathers to stay warm. Hot oatmeal rests heavy and warm in my belly as the welcome smell of hot coffee rises from a steaming cup.  The rattle of dishes in the kitchen and the happy play of children kept home from school bring the sound of family to my ears. Though the windows are heavy with the cold frost of winter I am snuggled in the warm embrace of a home blessed by God (Proverbs 3:33).

Canceled

Church was canceled today due to icy roads. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I do not want anyone to get injured trying to get to church. On the other hand, people brave the weather to make it to work. Is church optional where work is necessary?  Which is more important? Is it a bad thing to cancel church?

School is often canceled when weather poses a risk. Kids eagerly watch for school to close at the first sign of snow. When it is closed, they often put on their snow clothes and play out in the snow. They look for an excuse to miss school in order to do something else.

We could have had church and left the decision to travel up to the individual. The problem is that there are those who are so committed they will put themselves at risk in order to come to church. Others would go because they do not want to look unspiritual, but are looking for an excuse not to go to church and to save face at the same time. The one loves to be in the house of worship. The other really does not want to go to church in the first place. Either way, the issue of safety remains.

Though the motive to cancel may be safety, the way it is received is mixed. Like the kids at school, some people are glad church is canceled and watch hopefully for snow. Others would go no matter how bad it gets and are disappointed when church is canceled. In the end, we can make the call for safety, but we can't control how it is received. Hopefully people are disappointed when church is canceled and eagerly await the next worship service (Hebrews 10:25).