Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you are blessed by the presence of God and family today.

As I write, snow is falling here in Minnesota. A light easterly breeze is angling the snowflakes toward the ground. The trees and bushes have a layer of snow outlining their shape. It feeds me just to be able to soak in the beauty and quietness of the morning.

Changing Plans and Traditions
It has snowed for three days now. Many people’s Christmas plans and traditions have been set aside for practical and safety reasons. As one pastor reminded his Facebook friends, the snow gives God a chance to interrupt us. People will likely spend time in places and with people they maybe wouldn’t normally. How many relationships might be healed with some unplanned time together? Perhaps neighbors will celebrate together for the first time in lieu of extended family gatherings?

Off the Trail
Many years ago, I found myself in Vienna, Austria, on Christmas Eve. It was biting cold and windy. I was physically and emotionally tired from weeks of train traveling and living as a nomad. When we learned that we had arrived at our youth hostel too late to get dinner, discouragement set in. We ate at a Greek restaurant. Very different than the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, I thought. I called my family to wish them Merry Christmas, and then homesickness set in. Attending church didn’t occur to us being that we were in a town where we didn’t speak the language. This was Christmas Eve and nothing was right, I thought.

Lesson Learned
That Christmas Eve taught me a few things that I needed to learn. Christmas to me is about God and family. It’s not Christmas without going to church and singing Silent Night. And it’s not Christmas without spending time with family. I needed that reminder. I had been taking both for granted.

I also learned that it’s good for my routine to be disturbed. Even though I hate unpredictability, it teaches me how to accept situations and people who I cannot control. My boyfriend and I are trying to mesh our holidays traditions and family time. It’s a challenge. It takes flexibility and patience — both of which I lack. It’s a process that God is leading and using to refine me. But I am so blessed to be a part of others’ traditions and families. My life is richer because of the experience.

Maybe the Christmas snow storm of 2009 has upset your traditions and plans. What might you have experienced that wouldn’t have happened without the storm? How have you seen God working when he has changed your plans? Do you have a story you can share?

Regardless of where we are and who we are with today, God is there. He will bless you with new experiences if you let him. Be open to the possibilities.

Luke 2:19 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”