Solid as ice, frozen as the frost line 36 inches deep,
without compromise or apology February brings its winter mix to bear in four
fleeting weeks. Even as the days linger
briefly longer each evening, the sun has also cut a new course inches higher in
the daytime sky. We feel the fullness of
the winter landscape, the load of snow under foot, and listen to the cry of the
wind following old slicked up routes into depths of our souls. But surely we do not despair. God is present, even in the deep winter.
We take a break from moving and lean against the South
facing concrete block wall of the garage as we find the sun a warming
friend. The dog would like his ears
scratched and we notice the ice is melting and evaporating from the dark wet
pavement on the hiway leading back into town. The smell in the air is one of
winter snow but is also tinged with a spring like scent. Yes, we can smell it, as well as see the
changes taking place in our world. We
feel the warming, the melting, the frost as it begins to move.
“Not long now,” the old timer who drops off pig starter
from the Coop says about the coming of spring.
“Not long now,” you think as you notice the mud which has found its way
onto your chore boots. “Not long now,”
you begin to sing as the sun drops in the Western sky with hues of colors saved
only for the sight of Gods and angels.
“Not long now,” you hum as you hang your coveralls in the basement
closet. The smell of soup, fresh bread,
and strong coffee overpower your thoughts and you are thankful.
And as quickly as it came, February is gone once
again. It is a month to be experienced,
a month of changes, some subtle, others quite profound. The baby arrives, one season is finding
completion as another is beginning, and grandmother says a final farewell. Live
well each day of February and find the glory of God in every footstep of the
grand parade taking place, right in our own backyard. Discover again who truly holds February.
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