Snow blower theology

CHRISTIANS SHOULDN’T HAVE SNOW BLOWERS.

Not if they:

• Want to save time
• Have neighbors

I know this because I bought a snow blower.

It does not save time…because I have neighbors.

We’ve had a pair of foot-high snowstorms in the past week.

Each time, it would have taken me and my shovel about an hour to clear the driveway and sidewalk.

With a snowblower, it took three times as long.

Here’s why.

Once I realized how much easier it is to use the snow blower than a shovel, I couldn’t bear the thought of my snow blowerless neighbors having to shovel their way out of their homes.

Not with the snow this high.

My next-door neighbor, Fred, has a snow blower, too.

The two of us cleared the driveways of all the snow blowerless households in our cul-de-sac.

Five.

Since the city plow can’t seem to find our cul-de-sac for a day or more after a storm, we also cleared a one-lane path to the main street.

Once that was clear, we were both free to take our snow blowers on the road.

I have snow blowerless loved ones.

There’s a lot to be said for a shovel…for those of us who

• Want to save time
• Have neighbors

But there’s something to be said for a snow blower…for those of us who

• Want to make good use of our time
• Want to do something good for a neighbor

In that case, Christians in the Snow Belt should probably consider a snow blower.

Before we can love our neighbors as we love ourselves, we’ve got to get to know them.

If you’re a Baptist, think of it as Snow blower Evangelism.

If you’re a Methodist, think of it as getting your fanny in gear and doing something good for someone who needs it.

If you’re a Presbyterian, do it anyhow.

I’ve found it to be a good and godly experience, with one exception:

That neighbor lady who had her own snow blower.

As I was working on my fourth driveway—which stretched alongside hers—she guarded her cleared driveway with a broom…waving it at me whenever I accidentally blew the tiniest spray of snow in her direction.

She was shouting, too, but I couldn’t make out what she was saying.

I just shouted back, “Don’t worry. I’ll get it.”

But I was thinking, “I can’t even do a good deed without having someone come at me with a broom.”

For a moment, I wanted my shovel.

Afterward, Broom Lady and I exchanged pleasant words.

All hearts clear.

Driveways, too.