Seasons...

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.