Snowed Under

As I write this week’s post a major winter storm is pounding our region with heavy snow and high winds. Forecasts predict up to 16 inches of the white stuff will blanket my modest suburban neighborhood by the time this blizzard subsides. Events have been postponed or cancelled. Grocery stores have experienced their usual pre-storm panic purchases of milk, bread, and eggs. Hardware stores are sold out of shovels and ice melt. Even the local town of Perkasie was forced to cancel a planned dog sled race because the snow was too deep.

I’m always slightly amused by the local media attention paid to these natural events. News and weather crews fill the airways with reports of dangerous driving conditions, average snowfall, empty airport terminals, and pleas to stay at home. Perhaps it is the infrequency of these events that prompts so much attention. Or it might be the public’s fascination with such storms. I have chosen to give this subject some thought for a very different reason.

This past week I was reminded of the heavy burdens many of my business associates and friends are carrying during these difficult economic times. I personally know individuals who are unemployed, in danger of losing their businesses, and struggling with family or personal issues. Their storms aren’t making the news and won’t disappear as easily as the accumulated collection of frozen water crystals outside my window. These dear friends are feeling the weight of failure, guilt, and despair. While the evidence isn’t as apparent as the snow drifts gracing my front yard, they are no less “snowed under” and wondering what their future holds.

It’s easy to judge each other when life storms appear. Like the local weather person we are tempted to offer a projected forecast of better days ahead or a commentary about the cause and effects of this unexpected blizzard. We may seek to distance ourselves, like staying off the snowy highways, because we aren’t sure how to offer meaningful assistance. Our own guilt at having a job or good health could be another factor preventing us from reaching out.

I don’t pretend to have the answers to life’s persistent and unexpected questions. There probably aren’t any. But I do know that leaders who are struggling need non-judgmental support and encouragement if they have any chance of emerging from their personal tempests. They need friends to listen silently, care deeply, love unconditionally, and pray regularly for them and their families. Like the sunshine and warmth that will eventually reduce this current record-breaking blizzard to a distant memory, our willingness to give generously to these friends in need may be what is required for their storms to pass as well.

If you are a leader feeling “snowed under” by the pressures of business or personal crises, I invite you to reach out for help. It may take the form of professional counseling, business coaching, or personal support networks. If you know a leader experiencing a “life storm”, don’t be afraid to offer a gentle word of encouragement, a small act of kindness, or a few hours of your time. I’ve experienced those moments in my past and still cherish their memory.

“Peace, be still” are words we all need to hear at some point in our lives. May they melt the feelings of desperation you might be experiencing and offer hope for warmer, brighter days ahead.