A snow day when you’re homeless

Advent. Day 12 of 24.

I saw the snow coming in last night. I also saw pics of snow covered towns and cities via my Facebook friends in other places. But I honestly didn’t expect any to be on the ground this morning when I woke up.
As I looked out my bedroom window, I instantly wondered about how my driveway would get shoveled, how to arrange for someone to clean off my van whenever it snows, when and how I’ll put my snow tires on, and why I always seem to need to wait until after it snows before I make arrangements to sort all of that out.
Then, once again, I took a step back. I remembered I have a home, a warm bed to sleep in, and a bedroom window to look out of when I wake.
Many people don’t have that.
I remembered I have a van that suits my needs and can get me to and from work.
Many people don’t have that.
I remembered I have work; meaningful work for meaningful pay.
Many people don’t have that.
I remembered I have a family, friends, community that I love and who loves me back.
Many people don’t have that.

A halfway through Advent prayer

Lord of the seasons,
It’s really cold outside right now.
I pray for an imagination to be able to envision a day when no one has to worry about finding shelter from the elements.
I long for that day when I don’t hear any stories about men, women or children freezing to death on the streets.
Give me eyes to envision a day when I don’t hear about elderly people who have been abandoned, dying of heat or cold all alone in their apartments.
God of shelter, give me the courage and strength to see and work towards the day when no one ever has to wonder about if they’ll survive the night due to the weather.
Come Lord Jesus.
Come quickly.
Amen

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