March 2011
Please do not hate me. I have a confession to make. I’ve been enjoying the winter. I know, I know … I do not have to shovel walks or driveways thanks to condominium living. My drive to work is only a couple miles. I do not have to take children to every corner of northeastern Ohio for varied activities. There are no older relatives that rely on me. IF any of this was true, I’m told, I would not be enjoying winter. But…it’s not…and I am.
WHY, you ask??? Well, the snow, especially on the pine trees, is beautiful. It’s quiet, in a hushed sort of way, when I walk to my mailbox. With the right clothes on, being outside crunching through the snow is a pleasure. It’s acceptable (although I seldom do it) to stay home when it’s snowy and cold to enjoy a good
book.
It’s as if the earth and the people are being given an opportunity to rest. The problem is, of course, that we do not take advantage of that opportunity … which is the source of much winter discontent. Lent will be beginning soon. This year it’s late; Ash Wednesday is on March 9 rather than being in February, which often is the case. Since Lent is from an Old English word that means “springtime of the soul”, the timing this year may actually “fit” that title better than is true some years - at least in our corner of the world.
Spring will be arriving as we gather for midweek activities, and the weather should not be as much of a factor when it comes to participation. Although … just as bad weather can keep people home, good weather is also used as an excuse to not to attend. As is usually the case, it’s a matter of priorities and of whether we will choose to set aside time to focus on spiritual matters – as well as connecting with other Christians – as
we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on April 24.
While that may not be possible every week, due to a variety of commitments, I would like to encourage everyone to attend at least one mid-week meal/program during Lent, and to make every effort to be here each Sunday and on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. I believe that doing so will strengthen your spiritual roots, and help you to bloom with renewed awareness of God’s grace.
Strive to make the end of winter a time of spiritual growth and renewal. And, I promise, I won’t make negative comments about the disappearing snow.
