Gratitude: Lessons from -6 Degrees

With the recent snow and ice storm that enveloped Texas, we were all taken by surprise. Most were unprepared for what actually happened. We knew it was coming and stocked up at the grocery store with the usual necessities: food, milk, batteries, etc., but did not realize the extent of what it would be like.

It started snowing, a beautiful glistening white powdery snow. It was cold. It snowed more and more, and got colder and colder…and colder! Before we knew it, the temperature was -6 degrees.

I have never been in -6-degree weather before. When the power went off, our wood-burning fireplace did not even cut the cold in the house. I have never slept in so many layers of clothing under so many blankets to try and stay warm! I'm thankful for my “COVID-19 mask” because it kept my face warm and prevented breathing in such cold air!

The next morning, we figured out how to eat a hot lunch, cooking on our gas grill outside - including grilling water in a pan for hot tea! We cut more wood to prepare for the next few days since we had burned up our remaining wood the night before. As the day wore on, we realized we could no longer stay in our 43-degree house. We appreciate the church opening as a “warming center” and the great bowl of hot soup and electricity to charge our phones.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." -Philippians 4:11b

We are grateful for many things this past week:

• A well-built home.

• A fireplace and a friend who let us cut firewood.

• Electricity providing the ability to charge our phones to call and check on family and friends.

• Water. Hot water for hot showers and hot tea and coffee.

• Warm clothes and blankets.

• Friends and their invitation to come and get out of the cold, including our dog!

• Hot food

• Wonderful Christian hospitality found at the church

The Lord provided and I am grateful!

Written by WMU of Texas President Earl Ann Bumpus