After having days of sunshine, warm spring temperatures and budding flowers winter has returned. In a matter of one day we went from sundresses and shorts back to mittens and wooly toques.
We could be discouraged by this return of cold gray days or we could be grateful for the week of warmth we enjoyed. Often life brings us to moments of choice, moments when we stand at the cross roads of doubt or faith, hope or despair, gratitude or regret. How we respond determines a lot on our situation. There are times of despair and regret just as there are times of hope and gratitude. How long we linger in each is entirely up to us.
At first I was grumbling as I dug out warm socks and a sweater but realized these grumblings only left me feeling sad and discourage. So, I decided to try a different outlook. I silently offered a prayer of gratitude for the morning spent sitting under the empty maple tree watching the birds, the first BBQ supper of the year and the evening when we reclined on the back deck admiring the stars. What wonderful memories to warm these chillier days.
Besides, we know these chilly days are number. These are the days we enjoy our last bowl of chili or beef stew until autumn, the days that afford us time to switch out our winter clothes with the summer fair. Each moment holds so much to cherish. As Matt Haig writes, “We just have to close our eyes and savor the taste of the drink in front of us and listen to the song as it plays.” (Midnight Library).
May you find reason to rejoice on these last dull days of the northern breeze trusting that warmer days are just around the corner.
