Winter Born

I was listening to a song the other day and in the lyrics to the tune, they had this concept they were sharing that the author was "Winter Born". Now I can't say I'm sure exactly what the song writer had in mind for that particular song but it certainly struck a chord with me (pardon the awful pun). ;o)

I have long been a fan of winter time. Yes, most people prefer the nice warm sun and the hot days of summer but give me winter anytime! Part of the reason for this predilection with winter is the fact that I am so very warm-blooded. My wife sometimes jokingly says its my best feature. When I touch my wife's hands (or my daughters' for that matter), she comments (as they do) that "... you are SO warm!". Apparently it is my lot in life to be appreciated by the females of my family for my BTU generation capabilities. Alas - I guess you have to take the complements where you can get them.

Still, I was thinking about the idea of being "winter born" and what that means in terms of my appreciation for a season when most people would gladly be indoors. I love the cold weather. I can be out in it wearing a lot less than most other people at the time and be perfectly comfortable. The cold air makes me feel alive! It gives an extra "zing" to the world and it makes you really appreciate your nice warm house which God has graciously allowed you to possess. In addition there are the winter sports such as down-hill skiing - something I love to do but have not been able to do for some time since moving to "flat land". Still I would like to do it again sometime if I am able and the opportunity arises.

So, what does it mean to be "winter born" and to love winter? Well I decided it is an appreciation for the quiet stillness in which the world rests during the winter season. I suppose it could just be my laziness showing up but I really think it's more than that. Yes, it is true that winter (aside from some occassional shoveling of snow) is predominantly a season of rest from the outside yard-care duties but I think there is a tranquility and noble grace to winter that transcends just a simple delay in the weekly attacking of the 'green'. Rather, I think there is a quiet and peaceful beauty to winter that goes well beyond this.

One of my favorite times of the year is when I can sit inside the house with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea and watch the snow pile up outside. The soft delicate flakes - each one a unique individual - float gently to the ground and give the world outside a beautiful coating of white. There is great purity symbolized in that white coat. There is great peace to be found there as well. It is the stuff of which incredibly beautiful photographs have been made.

When I was in High School, we read a short story by Conrad Aiken called "Silent Snow, Secret Snow" that was incredibly well written. Yes, I know it can be viewed as a tale of isolationism and rejection of reality but it also has meaning in terms of our desire to find peace and tranquility. I think that is what winter brings us each year - peace and tranquility. It possesses great beauty and provides rest from our labors and it quiets the world for a short period of time during its visit. Surely human beings need such a rest to "recharge their batteries".

Well, I will most certainly be hoping for snow and the opportunity to post up some beautiful photos of nature at its finest. I hope you enjoy this winter; that you find time to rest and enjoy some contemplation of one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Curl up with a good book, light the fire (turn off the TV) and watch the snow outside if you are so blessed. It can be a great time of relaxation and appreciation for nature. God has indeed blessed us in each season. Those of you who like me are "winter born" will be looking forward to appreciating His great blessing of winter beauty and rest.

Love to all,

Jerry