It may have been slow in coming, but for much of the Northern Hemisphere,
winter is now here.
Snow is falling softly and beautifully all around us. The air is still and cold.
Cold is one of those pairs of opposites that are foundational to human experience, like light and dark, wet and dry. These opposites mark a range of experience far richer than a constant mean could be, and we are fond of saying the experience of one extreme increases our appreciation of its opposite. The regular occurence of cold is part of the promise made to Noah after the flood. God swore never again to destroy every living creature, saying "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).
Cold can be wonderful, as when cold water quenches our thirst. Cold weather can provide us the winter wonderland in which to play: ski, sled, have a snowball fight. Cold enables us to appreciate the entire spectrum of experiences to its opposite: warmth. We might be encouraged to stay indoors curled up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book, or we may be motivated to host a get-together with friends and family complete with hot mulled-spiced cider and a toasty fire. Embrace the cold weather and find good in it.
Try a hot drink and marvel at God's creation, engage in conversation with a trusted friend and share your faith, take a mental retreat to the lap of God and let the warmth of God's welcome surround you.
As the cold winter wonderland is unfolding outside, may you bask today in the warmth of God's love.