Snowy Sunday Fun

Snow can be dangerous, inconvenient, destructive, and ugly in the streets. But positively nothing is more beautiful and nothing more fun on a Sunday than snow! Sr. Mary Brigid and Sr. Anne Marie prefer to enjoy it when they can, and these past days have been perfect for building snowmen!

It started when Sr. Anne Marie made a whimsical snow nun outside the refectory (dining room) window. Then, on a following Sunday, she and Sr. Mary Brigid went out together. The best place seemed to be right on top of a large snow bank in the front parking lot of St. Ann's. Sr. Anne Marie climbed up first, testing out the depth and "rollability" of the snow. Sr. Mary Brigid, a brave Filipina, joined her immediately and they began and ambitious project: five snowpeople to welcome the employees and visitors. Sr. Mary Brigid had yet to be instructed in the finer points of rolling snowballs. "I can't make this blessed lump of snow roll!" she said petulantly. "It isn't fair! I can make really nice sandcastles!"

"Look, you shape them. I'll roll them," Sr. Anne Marie offered, and it worked perfectly. The snow, so beautiful on that afternoon, was shining like glitter under the sun and so easy to mold and shape. The two sisters' laughter attracted the attention of the staff and visitors -- even of a few residents who were out for some air. It was altogether a perfect afternoon. "Are you allowed to do that?" some said, implying that they didn't know nuns were permitted to have fun. That of course, was enough to set everyone laughing even more. If there is a better place to laugh than the convent, it hasn't been found yet!

Sr. M. Gabriela was summoned to view the "almost" finished masterpiece (no arms have yet graced the snow-men's shoulders). She approved warmly, shaking her head at soaking coats and boots, and asking God for patience with Sr. Mary Brigid who insisted that her sweater was quite warm enough. The next part, of course, was to peel off the wet and get a hot drink before settling for evening prayers.

Afterwards, Sr. Mary Brigid and Sr. Anne Marie wondered at the way a pile of snow and a clear sunny day, could lift their hearts to God and out of the petty worries and burdens of the day. No entertainment nor distraction could have done more both to lift the soul out of stress and up to the One who provided the beautiful day. How big of a difference it makes to have a different attitude towards the snow! On the one hand, it can be cursed as the bringer of icy roads with poor visibility (just to name one problem that most people have with snow) or it can be welcomed. In this case, it was an opportunity for the sisters of Grand Rapids to enjoy each others company, to thank God for His marvelous creation and to share our thoughts with all of you!

So, when life hands you snow....make snowmen!