Winter Will

It's not often that you see snow in the midlands of South Carolina ... but as I look out my window tonight, that's what I see. It's a slushy mess, mixed with rain, not sticking to much right now but the temperature is falling. We've had such warm weather throughout December and January, the sudden arrival of wintry conditions is sort of disorienting. Exactly two cold days since Christmas, and now this ... but I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow, so I like it. The fire is crackling merrily and I'm wearing an oversized sweatshirt over my pajamas, plus socks which I will wear to bed but undoubtedly kick off in the middle of the night. I can't stand socks on my feet for the entire night, for some reason ... even though we keep our bedroom cold. No vents open in winter ... only in summer. And the ceiling fan will be on. Cuddling may be necessary.

Winter will make you think about stuff that summer won't. Like, you'll watch the weather channel a little more often to see if any meteorological excitement might be on the horizon. When the "snow" or "ice" buzz starts around town, you'll stock up on popcorn and hot chocolate and bread and milk and other staples against the possibility of two or three days when you can't get out of the driveway. You'll make sure you have plenty of candles, and something to light them with, and extra blankets, in case there is a power outage. You'll hope against hope that if school is canceled, work will be too. That way, everyone can stay warm and safe. The family can watch a movie together, or play a game, and there won't be any homework.

Winter will make you thankful for stuff that summer won't. Like, the obvious things of the roof over your head and the warm clothing you own, and conveniences such as the furnace and water heater or your electric blanket. There is nothing more wonderful than a hot shower on the morning of a really cold day when you don't have to go out ... you can dress in toasty flannel and warm socks and your favorite slippers, moisturize your face and forget about doing your hair. You can linger long over your steaming mug of coffee. You can read a good book or write a letter or watch an old movie or work a crossword puzzle, or start writing your novel. And you can be thankful that you have the time and the wherewithal to do these things.

Winter will make you feel compassion for others in a way that summer won't. Like, those who have no home and no warm bed to sleep in, and no one to love them. So many people are alone ... and while it's one thing to be alone in summer, it's quite another to be alone when it's cold and bleak and desolate outside. Lots of animals too, those who were meant to live inside, won't have anywhere to go on cold days and nights. I can't stand to think about them roaming the streets and yards, trying to find a scrap to eat and warm dry place to lie down. And what about those people who are sick or grieving? All pain and all sorrow is worse in winter. In winter most of all, it's important to look for ways we might encourage those having a hard time.

Winter has come and winter will go ... spring with its beauty and summer with its fun will follow, and the burdens of cold weather will ease. Until then, nothing will make you contemplate life's complexities like winter will.