Snowed In

Jake Frost reflects on his family’s plans being upended unexpectedly, and opportunities it opened for them.

We were snowbound. In the night, while we’d been sleeping, Jack Frost had been awake and busy. In the morning, we drew back the curtains to find the world hidden under eight inches of new-fallen snow. 

Checking our phones, sports engines, and apps told us that all our plans for the weekend were cancelled due to weather: practices, work shifts, gym outings, everything.  

And the county warned us against driving. At least in automobiles. No cars were about, but we saw a couple of snowmobiles buzzing down the middle of the road.  

Perfect Day 

So instead of our normal hurry up and get ready, we lingered in our pjs, gazing at the winter wonderland beyond our windowpanes. 

The four older kids started a card game on the living room floor. Their 2-year-old sister joined in, at least in the hooting and hollering. She didn’t understand the game, or the repartee, but she caught the vibe and enjoyed leaning against her older siblings and sharing in the laughter at their high-spirited joking and hijinks as the cards flashed back and forth.   

Mom and I sat in our chairs with our feet up and hot coffee in our cups.  

Then the 2-year-old looked around the living room at everyone gathered around her and declared: “Perfect day!” 

Indeed it was.  

Unexpected Opportunities 

Sometimes God sends us things we weren’t looking for and didn’t ask for, and they turn out to be just what was needed, and we didn’t even know it; like a blizzard that knocks us out of our normal course and opens a chance to appreciate our greatest blessings, gathered around us in the living room in their pjs on a snowy day. 

This year I’m going to try to be more mindful of what God is giving, as opposed to what I’m requesting. It seems that opportunities wait in the divergence, if we can develop eyes and hearts to see them.  

I hope you and your families have a wonderful new year full of unexpected opportunities!   

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Copyright 2026 Jake Frost
Images: Canva