I love living in a climate with four distinct seasons. Though I appreciate all the seasons, I have
always especially loved winter, specifically the wintertime woods. Winter gets a lot of bad press and is
portrayed as drab, cold, lacking and generally annoying. I see winter differently.
Instead of writing winter off as drab, I appreciate winter’s
limited color palette because it brings out such lovely contrasts. Some of these contrasts demand to be
noticed: a bright blue sky behind dark
leafless trees, a shockingly red cardinal hopping in white snow, and
eventually, the first flowers growing out of the seemingly barren earth. Some contrasts are more subtle and take time
and attention to notice: the way a gray
sky can be different, and lovely, from day to day, how each snowfall has its
own character and the differing effects of the wind.
I love brisk weather.
To take a deep breath of bracing cold air is something I missed while
living in a milder climate. A cold day’s
hike is exhilarating and brings new appreciation for the contrasting warmth of
shelter, a blanket, a simple cup of tea.
Winter can be seen as a time of lack, a time of death. However, I love to study a tree in winter…to
see each branch and twig…to see what is at the core of the tree that will soon
be full of showy leaves. Winter also
gives one a chance to notice the true lay of the land, each rise and fall of
the forest floor.
Winter takes preparation: more paying attention to weather
reports, being prepared for a possible storm, slowing down to leave more time
for travel. I appreciate this
preparation, the taking notice of the weather at a time when ten degrees or a
bit of wind can make a big difference, the slowing down to leave a margin for
travel, being mindful.
Because of winter, by contrast, spring is brighter, more
colorful, warmer. The first daffodils
and their promise of newness will not be missed. Because of winter one can look at a tree or
the land and know what is at the core, what is underneath, even when not
readily visible.
Lent is my winter.
It is a season set aside--
to look closely at what can be hidden much of the time;
to look at the structure, the core of my life;
to look at the ups and downs of life without distraction;
to take notice of things both obvious and subtle;
to slow down and be mindful to leave a needed margin;
to appreciate.
I need Lent. Just as
winter prepares me to see spring with fresh eyes and new anticipation, Lent
prepares me to receive Easter with fresh excitement, a new awe and an eagerness
for what’s to come.
