God’s Winter White
No matter where you live, there’s going to be changes with each season. In some places they are hardly noticeable – other places, extreme.
When God drops his bombshell of Winter White here in the Northeast, I can’t help but get excited! There’s something about a white blanket of snow that immediately brings a “calm” to the senses.
Everything is “clean” – everything is quiet and peaceful – beautiful beyond belief.
During the winter season, no matter where you live, things slow down a bit. Folks tend to stay indoors more. And that’s not a bad thing. Use this still very new year and winter to bring out your creative energy – and also to get things done.
Winter is a perfect time to plan your spring garden. Peruse catalogs and stores for new seeds, plants or outdoor items that can enhance your garden when spring finally arrives. If you’re one of those people who never seems to have time to read that “bestseller book” or “binge watch” your favorite shows, now is your opportunity.
It’s also the perfect time to rejuvenate yourself and/or your home. Use it to “your” advantage, because let’s face it, when spring and summer come along, you’ll probably be busier than ever….now is your chance to organize and conquer, repair and replace.
Meanwhile, don’t forget about all the beauty of nature God gives us – even in the dead of winter. Bundle up and take some strolls or walks through your neighborhood or local park. Take a good look at trees and bushes – even now devoid of their leaves, they still reflect a different aspect of beauty.
Ever see foxes in cold winter months? Notice how their fur becomes so thick that the fox itself seems to double in size? All wildlife – birds, squirrels, foxes, deer, etc., will change their coats, patterns and habits for the winter. Observing nature – not just glimpsing at it, but really studying it – questioning it – marveling in it, is bound to give you a sense of serenity and maybe even lower your blood pressure! Yes, it seems so simple and maybe you think it’s silly, but try it sometime (it’s free!).
On a snowy day, take a walk around your own backyard. Be on the lookout for wildlife footprints. Try to figure out what animal made them and where they were headed. What were they nibbling on? Do the prints lead to a den? Becoming a “nature detective” can be fun and rewarding.
I’m always in search of a garden bench and love to boogie on outside with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in hand. Winter is a state of mind – a positive state of mind that you can enjoy, but only if you let it!
And you don’t even need to go outside! If you can’t go outside (or don’t really want to), the beauty of snow and winter is just a window away. Consider putting bird feeders near your windows and watch some unusual winter birds make guest appearances! Do some window watching as various critters come and go throughout the day. Look out your window at dusk to see those creatures that only come out at night!
And don’t forget, winter is also the perfect time of year to spend some extra time being thankful and counting your blessings. Be thankful for this new year 2024 and for opportunities yet to come.