Preparing for Winter: Tuesday's Reflection

October seems a bit early for snow, but that was not my decision and last week we got our first smattering of snow. It's still there, thanks to the lingering cold temperatures. Trick and Treating will be a cold endeavor tonight. 

It is time to prepare for winter. 


My husband has been putting the gardens to bed, and inside, I have changed our bedding, adding a cozy coverlet and a colorful quilt.

I bought new flannel pajamas.

I tossed a shawl over my desk chair for extra warmth when I write, and more than one chair has a warm throw to use when reading. I even placed a fake fur throw over the living room rug. How cozy is that! 

I moved winter coats and scarves and gloves out of a storage closet, and I have already fixed soup for more than one supper. The car is ready for winter driving, and the shovel is available for action. 

When you live in a place like Minnesota you take winter preparations seriously. 

I happen to love winter, but I know this dark time of the year is not welcomed by everyone. In fact, I know many of you are planning your escape to warmer climes, but before you go, perhaps this early winter is inviting you to consider the gifts of these months. Even if you live someplace where winter is more of a word than a season, these October into November into December days may signal a call to deeper awareness of Spirit.

Many of us feel the weight of these darker days, days darkened not just by the turning of the year, but also by events in the world that distress and disturb us. This winter season, however, can be a time to commune with our soul and to lean into the promptings of Spirit. 

Joyce Rupp says each season is a "classroom of the heart."

           Listen carefully. Each season addresses your needs.
           Through your obedient listening you receive new
           insights. You find encouragement. You are surrounded
           with beauty. As you walk through the seasons of the
           year, listen for each season's voice. Be attentive to it.
           Identify the lessons it has for you. Let the heartbeat of
           the seasons resonate with the heartbeat of your life. 
           Hear the questions they ask. Receive their wisdom. The
           seasons are your teachers. Listen closely. They are speaking
           to you.
                                      The Circle of Life, p. 28
                                       Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr

An Invitation
What lessons of these previous months do you bring with you into these winter months? What questions are you invited to wrap around you? I would love to know.