Marine Corps Base Quantico -- A few weeks ago, our region experienced a winter storm of historic proportions. When it was over, most received amounts making this one of the top snow producers of all time. Many were snowed in about 48 hours even though schools were out longer for good reason. Fortunately, most kept their electricity. When I wasn’t shoveling the snow, which seemed to keep coming, I watched round the clock coverage provided by local media outlets. As time passed, I became amused by a recurring theme in many reports. While we live in a fast paced world and often hear people talk about how busy they are and how they need a break, it didn’t take long for wishful thinking to fall by the wayside. The storm allowed for a brief respite that many desired, but less than 36 hours into the storm, stations were reporting that many of their viewing audience were “stir crazy.” I, for one, was hoping that we would be snowed in for far longer than we actually were because I was kind of enjoying the break. Not two weeks later, I am once again hearing the “I am too busy” mantra.

As I have reflected on these thoughts, a song made popular by the 60s rock band, “The Byrds”, keeps coming to mind. One of their best known songs, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” is actually inspired by the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and reminds the listener that “to everything there is a season.” Life is all about true balance and on rare occasions that balance is imparted to us through events out of our control, such as a snowstorm. That storm provided us a chance to escape the daily grind, to get some rest, to truly enjoy creation in a unique way. Most kids in my neighborhood seemed to understand this, but others seemed to have missed the point. I am fairly certain that we won’t have another snow event that shuts us down as this one did, but if it does happen, be one who truly uses it as an opportunity and enjoy the escape from the daily grind. We know about the “season” of work all too well. Take advantage of the rare opportunities to “turn, turn, turn” as they can definitely help to keep the balance in life that we all seek.