The Creator, Snow, and Leadership

After hearing the flurry of weather reports locally and nationally about snowstorms. The state of emergencies, school closings, road closures, chilling below-zero forecasts, and stories about accidents, snowplows, and warming centers. Much came to my mind about preparation, especially food, clothing, and shelter. Several scriptures had come to mind, too, about readiness, in Matthew 24:44, Luke 12:40, and 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV). The inclination to reflect on readiness prompted some anxiety about heating, electricity, and water. However, as Christians, we are to be anxious about none of these things (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). Therefore, readiness is essential to living and learning in all aspects of life, with Christ being the lead. The leader in all creation, even in snow conditions.

Before snowstorms hit most of Ohio and other places in the United States, preparations had begun. The transportation authorities were informing residents of the impending weather, and local news reporters were urging them to stay off the roads. A shutdown was inevitable in some workplaces and organizations, even as others continued to work remotely. Essential versus non-essential comes to mind when considering who is allowed on the road and who is not, given unprecedented conditions. Formal and informal leadership, in all due respects, would be the decision-makers from all walks of life. However, the streets, snowplows, and the plowers would be activated to dig out roadways, braving the conditions tirelessly.    

What amazed me the next morning was the activation of the snowplows in our neighborhood—the implementation of the snow removal process. I opened the door to find the most glorious scenes. Something that God created, the “snow,” was beyond my imagination. For instance, in Job, “God says to the snow, fall on the earth (Job 37:6),” and “have you entered the storehouses of the snow or observed the storehouses of hail (Job 38:22). Making it known that the power of nature and creation rest in His hands. I, too, was in awe of the continuous snowfall and the flurries, mesmerized by its purpose (Isaiah 55:10) as I stood in the doorway, like a kid. The icicles had begun to form, and the trees looked so picturesque that I had to take pictures. It reminded me of when it comes to leadership and nature, the Lord's glory shines, letting us know He’s in control of all things, even the snow.     

Reflections: What comes to mind when you think about creation and leadership? How have the weather conditions impacted your life?

Written by Dr. Philomena M. Johnson