The results are in. The city of Lafayette, Indiana announced the winning names for its snowplows earlier this week. The list of ten names was trimmed from more than 100 public submissions. All the names make wordplay out of the region’s winter weather.

     My favorite name is the Rhinestone Plowboy. Next is a close second: Plowy McPlowface. Others on the list include Clearopathra, Betty Whiteout, Sleetwood Mac, and Buzz Iceclear.

     Humans long have felt the need to name things, people, and natural events. The practice transcends time, cultures, and religions. Naming is part of the creation story in Genesis chapter two.

     Naming is important for us as human beings. Naming a possession establishes an emotional bond with the object. My daughter once named her piggy bank Piggy McSnortface. I just wish she had loved her savings as much as she loved her money saver.

     Naming is of particular importance when dealing with strong emotions. All of us experience moments when we feel out of control. Feelings of fear, anger, and confusion can escalate to the point of clouding our thoughts and actions.

     However, I believe that no matter how strong the emotion, if you can tame it, God can tame it. When a child speaks disrespectfully, the thoughtful teacher will acknowledge her anger before confronting the student. When being chastised by an unkind boss, the offended employee will recognize his hurt before spouting back with an inappropriate comeback, before retaliating in kind.

     This simple approach of naming one’s feelings gives God’s Spirit enough time to call upon your better angels and respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. By naming your feelings you allow the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reign them in and bring them under His control. If you can name it, God can tame it.

     So, go ahead. Give the idea a try. It may be well worth your time to take a drive through the streets of Lafayette, Indiana this winter. Should a snowplow cut you off in traffic, go ahead and name it. Just be careful what you say. You might find yourself pushed adrift into a snowbank.