Nine inches of snow in my front yard. Did I mention my home is in Pensacola? The last few days have shocked the Panhandle as snow arrived like a fan at the wrong stadium.
For some, the snow was a fun surprise. For some, the snow was a pest. Some kept power while others lost it. I hope you were able to manage the blizzard of 2025. Treat your soul to a hot cup of coffee today and join me with a snow reflection.
The last few days, the kid in me came out with my family. It’s been many years since I last played in the snow. Growing up in St. Louis, snow was quite common. I remember taking my sled to Oak Valley Park with my friends and play until the sun went down. It’s hard to believe our parents let us have such fun without tracking devices. Such sweet memories came back to my adult mind as I threw snowballs at my kids. Snow was sweet therapy for my busy life.
For the last few days, the worries of life were tucked away as memories were made in the front yard. At one moment, I looked outside to see “Cowboy Park” full of families…on a Wednesday morning. The scene was more magnificent than any painting my eyes have captured.
The blizzard of Pensacola was a wakeup call for my ongoing routine of life. I would not call the last few days a sabbath by any means. Yet, it was a time of joy-filled reflection on what matters most. My family’s laughter mixed in with eating snow cream in the kitchen was peace for my chaotic soul.
We never get snow like this. Yet, you can still take time each day to stop what you are doing and…be still.
The Psalms teach us to, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). Today, slow down and enjoy His presence.
Snow doesn’t have to fall for your life to slow down and smile. Snow doesn’t have to fall for your family to make memories with each other. Snow doesn’t have to fall for your life to focus on what matters most.
Yet, it sure is helpful when snow comes.
Before it melts completely, throw another snowball.
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church
dsnyder@fbcp.org
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
