Good morning, Reader!

Last week gave us a taste of spring — warm days, sunshine, and that feeling that winter must finally be behind us. And then, of course, came the blizzard last Wednesday, reminding me that it is still February.

On the morning it hit, one of my daughters headed out the door for school without a hat or coat. I told her, “It’s still winter. Please put on a hat and coat.” She chose not to.

Two hours into the day, school was called off. My older two ended up stuck on a bus on Highway 15 — right behind my husband Benj, who was also stuck behind a jackknifed semi. We were thankful they all made it home safely.

My other daughter, however, got dropped off in the worst of the wind and snow. When she blew in the front door, her hair was plastered with snow and sticking straight out like a mad scientist. She was bright pink and announced that she thought she was going to freeze to death walking down the driveway.

A hat and a coat would have been nice.

As parents, we warn because we love (funny how I now understand this)! We don’t insist because we enjoy control— we insist because we can see what’s coming. Scripture reminds us, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.”— Hebrews 12:6. Loving guidance is not punishment; it’s protection.

And how much more patient God is with us, even while we’re convinced, we know better? “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). He warns us. He waits. And when we come back, humbled, He still welcomes us with open arms.

May you feel deeply loved today — whether you’re the one giving the warning, or the one wishing you’d listened.

Warmly,
Leah