Let it snow! Let it snow! The Blizzard of 2016: Let it go!

“Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!” Whether we had someplace to go or not, it may have been Michael Buble’s voice that penetrated our consciousness this past Friday through Saturday.  As we dig out from the blizzard of 2016, we have to admit there really was nothing we could do but “Let it snow!”

Blizzards bring freezing temperatures, snow, high winds, and storm surges.  This one had enormous reach (wide as well as deep!) with snowfall from the Tennessee Valley extending along most of the east coast of the United States.  Drifting, icing, and flooding accompanied the storm.  By Sunday many of us ventured out with shovels, snow blowers, and sleds ~ worshipping and welcoming the sun and our neighbors!

So, today’s question is What do we do while we “let it snow?”  Here’s one option I pursued: Clean out the closet.

Before the blizzard, had you asked me, “What’s in your closet?”  I’ll admit I didn’t know. I’m fairly sure I had cleaned the closet out at least once in the past decade. I suspect one item I found will surprise you: Transparency Film!  Do you remember transparencies?

In the days before Power Point and LCD projectors, transparencies were the tool of choice to deliver information to groups, whether for business updates or classroom learning. All you would need is a wall or screen to project upon, your trusty box of transparencies, one of those fat-bottom overhead projectors, and, for the interactive among us, a set of colorful Sharpie fine tip markers.

It is true that thirteen years ago I was in the business of developing and delivering corporate training.  Still, I was stunned to discover I had three boxes of transparency film from 3M, Scotch, and Xerox, each with one hundred blank films.

I ended up finding someone who still uses transparency film these days. I gave away and recycled lots of material I haven’t touched in the last ten years. In the process, I’ve reclaimed huge amounts of storage space.

“What’s in your closet?” Here it is… captured in living color to remind me I no longer need transparency film (certainly not three hundred sheets).

The lesson I learned during the blizzard of 2016 in three words: Let it go!

It occurs to me this lesson is deep: We may not be able to do anything but watch it snow. Yet, when we choose to simplify our lives, say goodbye to what we no longer need, bless stuff and let it go, we create space where amazing things happen.

“What’s in your closet? Anything you are ready to let go of?”