“Do you want to build a snowman?” When my kids asked this question after a fresh snowfall, I couldn’t resist taking on this Frozen challenge. So, without hesitation, we bundled up, dove into the powdery fluff, and got to work creating our own version of Olaf. Rolling, stacking, and sculpting, we crafted a snowman complete with a carrot nose, charcoal buttons, a hat, and just the right amount of personality.
For a brief, magical moment, he stood tall. Our proud winter creation was a symbol of a perfect Michigan snow day. But as quickly as the snow had arrived, so did the rain. By morning, our frosty friend was slumping, shrinking, and melting into the ground.
At first, it felt like a disappointment. But, as is often the case in parenting (and life), unexpected circumstances have a way of turning into quiet lessons. The rain may have dampened our snowman, but not our spirits. In fact, the downpour turned into a shower of revelations about patience, resilience, and the art of letting go. Here’s what building a snowman taught me about life.
Lesson #1: When things melt, try again.
After the rain hit, our snowman wasn’t exactly chillin’ anymore. His eyes were barely hanging on, his carrot nose and buttons had fallen off, and his base was withering away. Despite his condition, we left him standing, hoping the rain would pass.
Then, in classic Michigan fashion, the very next day it snowed again. With renewed energy for another snow day, my kids and I jumped back into snowman-making mode, reattaching his features and reinforcing his base. He didn’t look the same, but he was still our snowman. Weathered but growing stronger and more resilient, he began to take on a new shape with each incoming snowfall, now better prepared for whatever Mother Nature decided to throw his way.
Rebuilding him reminded me that life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective and the determination to keep going. What counts is how we respond, our ability to persevere, and the resilience to keep pushing forward no matter what hurdles we face.
Lesson #2: Gratitude comes in all shapes and sizes.
You might be wondering, “What’s there to be grateful for in building a snowman?” Well, it’s not really about the snowman itself–it’s about what we experience when we take a step back and appreciate what’s right in front of us. I felt thankful for the chance to be outside with my kids, laughing, and making memories. Watching them run through the snow with such carefree joy made me appreciate their health and happiness.
The snowfall itself, while cold, was beautiful and reminded me how quickly time passes. It made me reflect on how important it is to be present and savor each moment. After hours of playing, I was especially grateful for the warmth of home–a cozy refuge where we could unwind, safe from the elements.
Gratitude, in its truest form, is about embracing all aspects of life, both the highs and the lows. Even the challenges can offer something insightful if you’re willing to see them as part of a bigger picture. As I looked at our snowman, imperfect but still holding on, it reminded me that some of life’s best gifts are found in the little things.
When we choose to see the glass half full, we begin to value all that we have. Even the small, seemingly insignificant moments become more meaningful. Practicing gratitude redirects our focus from what’s missing to what’s already there, helping us recognize how much we truly have to be thankful for.
Lesson #3: Let it go, let it go . . .
I have to admit, when we first built our snowy companion, I was focused on making everything perfect–from choosing the right sticks for his arms to getting every detail just right. I wanted him to look the part. Meanwhile, my kids? They were tossing snow around like it was a food fight, not a care in the world.
Fast forward to the next day, when we returned to rebuild him. I attempted to recreate what we had before, but something didn’t feel quite right. That’s when it dawned on me that I was resisting the changes instead of embracing them. The snowman had taken on a new form, and I needed to be okay with that.
As a mom, letting go of expectations can be tough. Whether it’s a sink full of dishes, a day full of tantrums, or plans that get derailed, life rarely goes as we expect. But instead of trying to force everything back to “how we imagined,” we have to remind ourselves to let go and adapt.
When things went sideways with our snowman, I was reminded how swiftly life can turn. One minute, everything’s in place, and the next, we’re scrambling to fix it. As a mom, these moments are all too familiar. But in those times, we have an opportunity to pivot and forge ahead, even if things don’t unfold as we envisioned.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about learning to let go of what we can’t control and trusting that everything will work out for the best, no matter how things appear on the surface.
Lesson #4: There’s *snow* much to learn.
As a busy mom, I sometimes forget one of the cardinal rules of parenting: kids are always watching. Even when I think they’re not paying attention, they’re absorbing everything–from my strengths, my weaknesses, and everything in between. It’s a big responsibility, but it also gives me the chance to show them what it means to be authentic.
When the rain came, I saw how important it was for my kids to see me adjust on the fly. They were silently taking note of how I handled the situation. Kids learn valuable lessons when they witness adults embrace imperfections, laugh off mistakes, and remain motivated. It shows them that stumbling, stepping back, regrouping, and trying again are all part of the process.
Life is full of demands, and it’s important to teach kids that it’s okay not to meet every one of them. And if we can sprinkle in some grace and humor along the way? Well, that makes the journey all the more rewarding.
Lesson #5: Little things can have a big impact.
While we never officially named our snowman, I guess you could call him “Frosty the Icebreaker,” as he unexpectedly brought our neighborhood together in ways we hadn’t imagined. I never would have thought that a snow-covered yard, a few eager hands, and a dash of winter wonder would turn into something far beyond our expectations. But it did.
What started as a fun activity with my kids quickly became a way to connect with the people around us, drawing them in with his charm. Though Frosty the Icebreaker never spoke a word, he brought smiles and sparked conversations with everyone who passed by.
Strategically placed in our front yard, he became a spot where neighbors stopped by to chat and laugh. Even a few strangers paused to admire him, as if he were an old friend from the past. It became clear that this snowman was more than just a piece of winter nostalgia–he was a beacon of connection reminding us that small, unspoken acts can bring people together in unique ways.
In the daily grind of life, we often forget how even the smallest gestures can have a big impact. A kind word, a wave, or even a snowman can brighten someone’s day. These small deeds leave lasting impressions, showing us that it’s not the size of the effort, but the heart behind it, that truly matters.
Winter Wisdom
To be honest, I didn’t expect to walk away from building a snowman with anything more than cold hands and happy kids, but motherhood has a way of teaching us something new at every turn. One thing’s for sure: life’s wisdom isn’t always wrapped up in neat packages. It often sneaks in through everyday moments we might overlook while juggling schedules, managing messes, or breaking up sibling squabbles.
Our snowman started strong, but when the rain came, he seemed destined for a stormy fate. I thought he’d melt under pressure. Yet, with each new layer of snow, he stood tall and ended up lasting for 21 days. It was a reminder that growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes, it’s about adapting, rebuilding, and giving yourself grace to figure things out as you go.
Whether shaping snow with eager little helpers or navigating the ups and downs of motherhood, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to get everything right the first time. When life throws snowballs, we must learn to adjust, reshape, and find the lessons hidden in the seasons that come our way.
