Our neighbor, Christine, happened to be in her yard yesterday morning (in spite of frigid temperatures), as I was leaving to babysit our granddaughter. Christine was picking up trash that had blown in front of her house.
“I’ll be so glad when this weather warms up,” she called, stooping to gather more bits in her bag-covered hand. We encouraged each other with the forecast for the weekend: temperatures approaching fifty degrees.
Actually, I haven’t minded the deep freeze that has gripped the Midwest for most of January. After living in Florida for forty years, I see cold weather as a pleasant change from stifling hot temperatures and hard-to-breathe humid air. (Give me a few years up here, and I might be longing for that heat again.)
For now, these wintry January days offer a multitude of pleasures:
- A bit of rest after the bustle of Christmas.
- Feathery cirrus clouds gracing the sky.
- Cardinals, juncos, and flickers cavorting in the trees on the occasional temperate, sunny day. (Without foliage to obscure the view, we can watch their antics unobstructed.)
- The soft, pale glow of winter sunsets.
- Plumes of smoke winding lazily upward from the neighbors’ chimneys.
- Candles glimmering cheerily as dusk falls.
- The scent of homemade chicken soup simmering on the stove. (Granted, soup can be enjoyed anytime, but it takes a chilly evening to bring out the best of a savory bowl.)
- Hibernating by the fire, computer on my lap, hot tea in a thermal mug at my side.
- Layering myself in soft, cozy clothing—and Smartwool socks!
- Quenching my thirst with a drink of water from the faucet–and it’s already cool – no ice necessary.
- That first “Ah” moment upon entering the warm house. (Entering a cool house in Florida is more of a “Whew!” moment!) The coziness of home is most appreciated when cold winds blow outside.
- Nature renewing itself for the life-burst of spring. One sign: buds on the magnolia tree are already growing plump.
And what about those times when snow covers the landscape? Oh my. The enjoyment is magnified ten times.
- Delicate flakes waltz in quiet descent.
- Trees become dressed in lace.
- Light glistens and sparkles from the brilliant snowscape.
- A quiet hush surrounds us, as the freshly fallen snow absorbs sound.
All precious gifts, indeed.
* * * * * * * * * *
Heavenly Father, I thank you that the whole earth is full of your glory, even in bleak winter.
In the snowflakes we see your never-ending creativity.
In the full magnolia buds we see the hope of spring, symbolic of our sure hope in you.
In the pleasure of a warm home and crackling fire we glimpse the refuge you offer to us: a place of safety, comfort, rest, and delight.
In the purity of white snow that covers the gray and the dismal, we see a reminder that you cleanse away our sins and make them white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).
And in the beauty and hush of a winter snowscape, we find our attention drawn to you. In quiet, wondrous worship. we give praise to you, our gracious, glorious God!
* * * * * * * * * *
What gifts of winter do you most appreciate?
(Photo credits: www.zatavki.com; http://www.blog.snyderac.com; http://www.shutterstock.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Poetic prose, Nancy. Your words paint a beautiful picture. Enjoyed this one very much. Love to you and Steve…
Thank you, Ginny dear. So glad you enjoyed the post. Did it entice you a little bit to head north, even a little ways?! I know, I know. Grandchildren. They exert more pull than electromagnets! Love to you, Mark, and all your precious family, too.
Nancy, I took a walk today and have been thinking more these days how my new favorite season might just be winter, for all the reasons you mentioned. The best one is that I can see the birds so much better….. lovely!
During my growing up years in Illinois, my favorite season was spring. Now, all these years later, I appreciate so much more what winter has to offer. One factor that makes a big difference: clothing. Back in the day, girls had to wear skirts to school, church, and some other functions. When you’re freezing, it’s hard to even notice things like cirrus clouds and pale sunsets!
This was such a peaceful read. 😊 Yes the earth is filled with His glory, even in the bleak winter…very beautifully stated.
How delightful that the post brought you peace, Kim. Praise God!
Glad you are experiencing and enjoying winter!!! We are enjoying our winter in Florida…a blessing for us!😃😃
Miss you!!
You and Bob have endured enough bitter winters. Glad you can enjoy the best of both worlds–Michigan in the summer, Florida in the winter. Miss you, too!
Thank you, for the reminders, Glory! You remind me of my home in MA. The peace I felt as the snowflakes fall so silently, Peace. You know how to put the words, what a gift. . Thanks a million, miss you 2. Love Tedi
Thank you, Tedi. So glad the post brought back sweet, peaceful memories. Miss you, too, my dear!
What a vivid description of winter’s beauty and blessings! What comforts me the most is the stillness and the coziness of the season.
Thank you!
Bernadette
Cozy is such a peaceful, pleasant state, isn’t it? And winter is definitely the best time to enjoy it. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Bernadette.
wow I actually liked winter for a brief moment reading this. LOL> I do feel peaceful. It has taken me years to appreciate the beauty of these months and I am not there all the time. Guess I am just a spring/summer gal. Good writing today, Nancy!
No doubt at your latitude, and with the “lake effect” (which I remember from my years in the Chicago suburbs), you have to endure more discomfort than we do, living on the edge between North and South. Hang on, Jean. Just two months till the first day of spring. (Of course, we Midwesterners know that means absolutely nothing!! 🙂 )
Just last night I was noticing the beauty of the snow…the way it sparkles in the evening when light shines upon it. More beautiful than any diamond! And the comfort and sustenance a cup of soup provides as it nourishes the body and the soul is much appreciated during these frigid temperatures. On the practical side…I love winter because I can take a break from the strenuous outdoor work that the other three seasons entail! LOL!!!
Ah, yes–more time for reading! I forgot to include that blessing: snuggling up in a lap blanket with a good book. (Of course, deck-reading is equally pleasurable!)