Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Below the Winter Snow

When I was in seminary in Western New York (yes, Buffalo) we called this time of the year "tunnel months" because it seemed as if the winter cold had always been with us and would never leave -- there was only one gray day after another -- like walking through an interminable tunnel.  This is the cold, dark time of the year, the time of early evening darkness, of ice and snow and bitter cold. Even though, in reality, the days were shorter a few weeks ago, we no longer have the warmth and glitter of Christmas music and decorations to to distract us. We are quickly tiring of the cold and dark.

Interesting how retailers know of our frustrations at this time of the year. Direct mail and e-mails come flooding our real and virtual mailboxes with the promises of spring and warmer weather. Flower and seed catalogues have started to arrive. Spring and summer clothes are making their debut -- all perfectly timed to exploit the tunnel months.

Even as I look out of the window of the parish office, I am struck by the fact that some of the plants never lost their green. I know that the shrubs will flower and bloom. The holly bush still has bright red berries to remind us that the cold and dark of winter will give way to new life.

Anyone who gardens knows that winter is a time of dormancy. Dormancy, however, is not lifeless. The seed that lies beneath the winter snow bears the promise of new life that will emerge when the sun (which rises daily even when we can't see it) finally warms the spring air.

Has the life of God grown dormant in you? If so, there is no need for despair. Like the winter flora, that life waits only for the warmth of the sun and the gentle spring rain to bring it forth. While we wait, we are not lifeless. God's grace warms us as we seek to break through. As the days lengthen, hope for the sun. As the storms pass, recognize that the snow stays not as long -- spring warmth is on its way.

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