So what is this 'moral superiority of snow?' It seems to me that no matter where we are, we all like to brag--at least a little. But snow bragging is somehow different from achievement bragging.
We have no semblance of control over snow. It either is or it isn't. Depending on our disposition we grouse or rejoice. And as soon as the the storm is over (or maybe while it's ongoing), we call (and tweet and facebook etc.) our friends and family and tell them the news (good or bad-- once again dependent upon our outlook). Why?
Snow is special. It is nature dramatically and mysteriously intruding on our ordered world. While it's there, we sense the majesty of a universe beyond our control. And if we got more snow than the next town over, we get to say "we got more."
More what?
More of the magnificence of the cosmos. A sense of grace. An undeserved insight into our existence. Snow, unlike earthly morals, is an absolute--a measurable objective thing. They got 6 inches. We got 12. Therefore, our experience was measurably greater than theirs--twice as much!! Or our adventure was measurably greater than theirs--twice as much!! Or our experience with the Creator was measurably greater than theirs--twice as much!!
And when we're the town with the 6 inches, well, we learn humility. It was still awesome, but we speculate what it'd be like to have had double that. Twice as much of the universe's mystery revealed. And neither perspective really matters because twice nothing is still nothing. The universe is infinite compared to our tiny corner of reality.
Snow briefly expands our visions beyond the shadows on the cave's wall. A few flakes or many feet. All accomplish the same thing. We were blessed while others weren't.
Thanks for reading,
Lon Henderson
Innkeeper
Sunset Hill House
Sugar Hill, NH
For those who need to know: that's a 1994 Mazda Miata under the mound and the storm peaked over Valentines Day, 2007.
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