Winter
“When
the world appears to be in tumult, and nature itself is feeling the
assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm.
Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then, winter will be
forced to relent, once again, to the new beginnings of soft greens,
longer light, and the sweet air of spring.”
Madeleine
M. Kumin
This
week, while most of the North American continent is locked in a Polar
Vortex, we will begin to dream of warmer weather. We can rest assured
that, even this year, winter will give way to spring. One of the
advantages of living here in the deep South is that no matter how
cold it gets, or how wet and nasty, it doesn't last for long. This
freezing weather will be uncomfortable while it lasts, but we'll
likely be back in the 50's by next week.
Thank
God that in a world of constant flux there are a few things that are
dependable—the seasons being one of them. I never thought I'd miss
cold weather until I spent two years in central Florida, where
seasons change only on the calendar. I found myself yearning for fall
colors and winter trees. Here's a pep-talk to warm you while you're
shoveling snow—the earth needs the seasons. Actually, we, being
part of the earth, need the seasons. The bulbs, the trees, the
insects, the roses and hollies and birds need winter. Speaking of
hollies, mine are bursting with red berries now, and the
cardinals are stuffing themselves. There is a reason for everything,
even winter snow. Just ask the California farmers, who are praying
for heavy snow pack this year.
Winter
is a very good season to ponder our connections to the earth we seem
to take for granted most of the time. Our ecosystem is well designed
to support life as we know it on planet earth. We humans are one link
in a very long chain. Unfortunately, the other links depend for their survival upon the
consciousness of our link. We can live considerately, and with
respect for all, or we will find ourselves here alone. And what an
impoverished world that would be. Like winter in the deep South, we
wouldn't last for long.
Today,
go outside even if it's cold. Allow winter to teach you its purpose.
And put some seeds out for your feathered friends. We're all in this
together.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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