Snowed Out (Not In)

First, I have to report some exciting news. I worked my first paid shift Thursday night! It was the first time I stayed the whole 8 hour shift, and it really wasn't that bad. I was anticipating the night to drag on, but we were so busy up until 11 pm (lights out) that I really didn't get to breathe until the last hour. So much happened throughout the shift that I really can't even begin to tell you what my night was like. All I can say is that when it was hectic, it was great and hectic, and when we had 5 minutes of quiet, we appreciated it. But at the end, it was a great shift. 

In my eagerness to work and put hours in, I agreed to cover for a coworker's shift tonight, 4-12. Had I known that a blizzard was blowing through, I might have reconsidered. But the thing is, I work at a homeless shelter. They don't close for holidays or shut down for snow days. It's a 24-7 job. If I don't go in, someone else has to. So even though the weather is quite miserable and not the safest to drive in, and even though my family doesn't agree with me or support my decision, I'm working anyway. 

This is where God has me, and I have to believe that He's going to protect me, even in the snow. Yes, it's a minor inconvenience, having to drive in the windy snow and icy roads. Yes, I could easily lose control of my car or someone else could slide into me. But for lack of a better term, this is a homeless shelter's busy season. When the weather drops below 32 degrees, and we go into "Code Blue," we have to open our doors to anyone in need. Even though the snow isn't as bad as it will get within the next 24 hours, it's still a drag to have to drive through it. But I have to.

I can't even imagine what it is like for people who don't have a place to go tonight. Who aren't close enough to a homeless shelter. At least being homeless in tropical climates eliminates the possibility of freezing to death. Very few of us really know the hardships of life. I can't even imagine. What is mind boggling to me is how easily those in need are forgotten. If we, who have resources and have "enough," each contributed just a fraction of what we have, imagine the difference it could make in relieving poverty? Imagine the difference it could make in just one person's life? 

But when will it begin? Who will it start with? I don't know. But I am going to bundle up tonight and get in my car, drive slowly up Atlantic Avenue and hope that there is a parking spot cleared out for me. And if there isn't, I'll turn on my 4 wheel drive and make one. That, and pray that the snow melts soon. :-)

If you do nothing else tonight, take a minute and thank God for providing the shelter He has. Thank Him for the food you'll eat for dinner, and the warm blanket you'll wrap yourself with as you lay your head down on a fluffy pillow. Thank Him for the goodness He's shown to you in your life. And consider how you can be good stewards of the life you've been given.