Why not enjoy winter rather than stay indoors
Winter snow
Recently, when the Omaha area was shut down due to a snowstorm, Kearney had a light covering of snow. Of course, that was deceiving as there was ice hiding under that snow. A young lady we pick up for church hung onto to me so I wouldn’t slip and fall getting up the curve and into church. I was thankful for the assistance.
My sister loves snow and was sad it hadn’t snowed in McPherson Kansas. Karin has always loved snow and always hoped for snow on her birthday—in September. Of course, that was when we lived in Wisconsin. My Pastor Dad served churches in Canada, Minnesota, and Wisconsin when I was very young.
Kids learned to skate on the many lakes around them almost as soon as they learned to walk. One year all Karin wanted for her birthday were skates. While our folks couldn’t afford new ones, they did purchase a pair of used ones they shined, polished and sharpened. Karin loved them.
I loved making a snow house out the snow Dad piled up from shoveling the driveway. Moving to Wyoming made a big difference. We might not even have snow at Christmas and snow was seldom much of a problem. No snow at Christmas made Karin grumpy. While I rather enjoyed the phenomenon, it disgusted Karin that when we did have a good snow, a day or so later warm chinook winds swept in to melt everything away.
In Kansas, before I got sick, I remember being out on the country road with friends to sled down the slope of the country road. Though I was bundled up, I took off my hat to enjoy the snap of cold on my bare head.
While most of us may prefer mild weather, snow is important in the healthy cycle for life. Snow melts into the ground providing moisture for plants, animals and people. Karin craves snow in winter. I love and have good memories of playing and enjoying snow. But being outside in snow and ice can be dangerous for me now. Still, I enjoy watching snowflakes falling on the ground, as long as I can be inside.
Being outside in snow is certainly healthier for kids or adults, than more screen time. While we need to be cautious and careful around snow, we should also appreciate its beauty and benefits—and give thanks.
At the next snow, how about bundling up with the kids to create a snow person or snow angels or make snowballs for a snowball fight. It’s fun and healthy.
When the snow falls, take the time and enjoy.
© 2025 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in Kearney Hub 12/09/2025
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