“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things,
but just look what they can do when they stick together.”
– Vista M. Kelly
This reference to snowflakes is not meant as a foreboding premonition but rather a lighthearted metaphor, the truth of which we can allow ourselves to appreciate, at least until the actual entity arrives! In reality, looking forward to snow may be an oxymoron when one lives with parking restrictions, timetables for getting to and from work, and the potential of shoveling ourselves out of homes, cars and businesses. When there is only so much time to do everything that needs to be done, snow can be a wonderful way to slow us down, bringing the realization that time is relative and things can be put off for another day.
But just as snow sticks together and stops us in our tracks, it might be beneficial to ponder how sticking together in times of adversity creates a more successful future than going it alone. Perhaps it is time for gentle patience to reign over our actions in order to become aware that each individual we encounter is probably in a similar place, waiting for relief, in hopes that an abundance of helpful elves are on their way! Might it even be possible that we are the elf someone has been looking for?
– Connie Popp
Dr. Connie Popp is a board member for The Center for Life Transitions as well as an active facilitator for the Center’s Life-SHIFT and Job Search Courage programs. She is also the Director of Campus Ministry at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more.