Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

Brr . . .

In northeast Ohio, we are in a deep freeze. There are more below-normal temperatures so far in January than all of last winter combined.

Sometimes, I wonder why I choose to stay for the three-month winter. We have the wherewithal to be the snowbirds rather than watching them twitter on our feeders. We have many friends who are snowbirds or at least take a month’s escape, and we are happy for them.

A peek into my Winter Rest.

1) There are 11 treasures, age 10 and under, who keep us grounded. Life is movng at a fast speed, and my heart says I dare not miss weekly playdates for our grands. In a blink, they will be teenagers, and playdates will be just a memory.

2) Winter Rest – it truly is my perspective. Life slows down, so I slow down in anticipation of fun, busy warm days ahead. I always have projects to complete as I begin the countdown.

Once again, this winter, I am decluttering my house: 42 areas. I am well on my way and optimistic that I will check off my list.

3) I love a good countdown! One of my favorites in our four seasons is walking out the door to the first warm breezes and birds singing. It is worth holding space for.

A word that is on my winter’s heart is “remain.” By definition, it means to stay, wait, or endure.

As part of my stay, I am working my way through this book, “Reclaiming Quiet.” To paraphrase Sarah Clarkson, her book is an invitation to discover and cultivate a life of holy attention. She writes to inspire stillness, listening, and rest in an interior life. Reclaim wonder in prayer. My January book is teaching.

I have a guiding verse for my winter season, “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, for you I wait (remain) all the day long.” Psalm 25:5 parenthesis mine

As the cold and snow blows around the Inn, I look out to our snow-covered woods and imagine that in a very short time, the barren trees will once again turn a beautiful green.

Please don’t hurry much; I’ve got plenty to do before then. Home-work and Heart-work.

For my winter dis-likers, it’s okay to claim this definition of remain: endure. You can do it! We are 1/3 of the way out of winter. For my snowbird friends, I’ll pretend I’m spending a sunny, warm day with you over coffee and a chat.

Until month #2 of Winter Rest, Margi