Cold winter months can be wonderful, miraculous gift

(talent and photo provided by Nadene Walters)

I really should have been born in the Arctic, as I always look forward to the colder months.

My current season of life, where heat tends to exasperate my well-being, has me thinking glacial weather is more desirable.

The season we are in has many people hibernating. Longer hours of darkness, colder temperatures, frozen precipitation these days bring, although depressing for some, can be a time for personal revival.

Could it be the winter months are an opportunity for something wonderful? Is it possible a deep freeze is time for fun, renewal, healing? Maybe God is calling attention toward what He has made, of who He is.

Winter is the coldest season of the year. The name comes from an old Germanic word that means “time of water” and refers to the rain and snow in middle and high latitudes.

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is commonly regarded as extending from the winter solstice (year’s shortest day), Dec. 21 or 22, to the vernal equinox (day and night equal in length), March 20 or 21, and in the Southern Hemisphere, from June 21 or 22 to Sept. 22 or 23.

Fun

I always have my fingers crossed that Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. I have been patiently awaiting the verdict. Yes! Although, he really needs to work on the snow part.

In my humble opinion, winter is not complete without seeing tiny entities — snowflakes — and lots of them. A forecast of snow makes me happy. The pure white fluff blanketing the ground makes me even happier and most certainly brings out the “inner kid” and giddy excitement in me, much like a child on Christmas morning. I literally cannot wait to get outside.

Sometimes it is a good idea to work fervently at one thing. They say fun keeps the heart young.

It is so awesome that my husband has fond memories of his maternal grandmother sledding down the hill with him and then pulling him back up. How challenging and inspiring is that? I have some big snow boots to fill, for sure.

Walt Disney said, “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.”

Who says I have to grow up? Occasionally, I am sure my kiddos are thinking it, but I hope I never hear them say, “Mom, grow up!”

Freezing my fanny off while tubing down a hill covered in all white is fun-filled madness. Lying down on my back and moving my arms and legs to create an angel in the snow brings laughter. Building my own version of Frosty or even throwing a few snowballs — at those I love — is always a hoot.

The exhilaration of skiing down a slope brings out some of my most genuine prayers. The crystal white, frozen delicacy makes for a delicious bowl of snow-cream.

Renewal

I read that winter is the time of promise because there is so little to do — or because you can now and then permit yourself the luxury of thinking so. Put your feet up and savor some solitude.

Winter and, of course, snow, sometimes forces sitting — except when shoveling — lingering. A time for longer stretches of quietness is necessary for renewal of the mind and body.

Working a jigsaw puzzle distracts the mind — as long as it isn’t 1,000 pieces. Michelle Walters, I know you are reading this. Thank you for challenging me during our time together working puzzles. You are amazing and so loved.

Cozied up under a blanket and reading a book causes my mind to think about other things.

Perfecting penmanship while writing a note to a friend is rewarding for both the sender and receiver.

Trying out new recipes is a great way to spend some of my time. Creativeness in the kitchen is always a great way to spend a snow-day. Who doesn’t love to eat?

While watching a sitcom may not renew my mind in a favorable way, it does allow me to think of … nothing.

Healing

Stop! Look! Listen! Be still and allow your soul to be restored by the Creator God. On a winter’s night, amid the stars and a full moon, the miraculous creativeness of God is affirmed to me and is overwhelmingly awe-inspiring.

The heat from a crackling cozy bonfire on a frigid evening, causes me to remember God loves me unconditionally and that for sure warms my heart.

Sometimes the dark can create a sense of fear and it is during that time I learn to rely solely on God to be my light and protector.

The Jackson River Scenic Trail is a great place to walk during and after a snowstorm. The sense of stillness allows me to clear my mind. Stillness assures me of God’s sustaining grace and that helps heal my inner being from disappointment, difficulty, heartache, sorrow, grief.

Winter flowering pansies in the garden brightens up the darkest of days and can be a gentle reminder that God desires for me to bloom wherever He plants me.

I invite you to slow your pace, consider a greater purpose, and embrace this season of the natural world. Perhaps winter is a gift.

PS

Please know in all of my writings I am speaking first and foremost to me.

I am constantly reminding myself to have a positive perspective in all seasons of life.

I aspire for others to as well.