Winter Blessing

                The new year is off to a rough start.  Arctic temps and blowing snow have left us trapped at home, restlessly gazing out on a gray world.  In the summer we are one with the outdoors, going from our colorful homes into a vibrant realm without layering up or shuddering at the temperature change.  In winter, the outdoors and indoors are at odds.  Outside is a frigid kingdom of skeletal trees and harsh finger drifts, muted color and long blue shadows.  Inside it is all about warm comfort—rich food and cozy blankets, hot cocoa and fuzzy slippers.

                So where’s the good in this season?  Granted, for some it is all about hardship and exposure to ruthless elements.  For most, though, it is the time in nature’s cycle that says, “Slow down.  Be still.”  How many of us greet impending snowstorms with frustration?  How many are frantically worrying about missing some commitment because no travel is advised?  How many of the same people are in desperate need of down time—not a working vacation, but legitimate quiet time?

                Nature’s calendar has scheduled vacations to help us relax and rejuvenate.  A snow day is a non-negotiable, take-time-off-and-spend-it-with-your-family-or-a-good-book vacation day.  Instead of cursing it, embrace it for what it is and set down whatever heavy load you are carrying.  Remember the abandonment of childhood, when a snow day meant an entire day of doing whatever fun idea popped into your head?  Lounging, playing games, going sledding, just hanging out…Do that!  It’s good for you!  Really!

If you want to curse winter, wait until the next day when you are digging your car out of a snowbank.