Fourteen Inches of Opportunity


"In the bleak midwinter, snow on snow, snow on snow." That's how the old song goes, and peering out the picture window, I identified completely.

"Arrgh!" I grumbled to no one in particular, "fourteen inches of obligation!"

My kids looked out the same window.

"Yippee!!" they shouted, and rushed to put on their snow clothes.

For them it was fourteen inches of opportunity!

Same snow -- two completely different perspectives. I wish I could be more like my kids.

I wish, my first response to winter would be snow angels rather than shovels.

When severe adulthood squeezes out childish play, the snow becomes an unpleasant burden.

Snow on snow on snow.

The other day I muttered something about "bleak midwinter" to my wife Cathy. She rebuked me gently. "It's not so bleak, honey. In fact, it's like a beautiful post card out there! Just look, the snow sparkles like diamonds!"

I guess it is true that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Bishop Tutu observed that each day is a gift, and that is why it is called the present! Whatever the day brings is part of the gift, and that includes snow!

As we approach the New Year, it would do us well to remember this -- to focus the opportunity, rather than the obligation.

Whether you look for the positive or the negative -- either way -- you'll find it.

Joy comes with gratitude. Misery accompanies grumbling and complaint. "In everything", the Bible says, "give thanks." That includes the bleak midwinter!

Today, I'm going to surprise my kids and make a snow angel!

Comments

  1. Perhaps your whole outlook on winter would be cured with the addition of a trusty snow blower to your family.

    Now when it snows, my hubby gets EXCITED about the chance to don his extreme weather gear and go out and play with his gasoline powered toy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A friend in Brooksville3:31 PM

    I like Florida in the bleak midwinter

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous3:56 PM

    I agree with the Brooksville friend! But it is indeed beautiful outside when the sun glistens on that fresh snow. Yes, all adults need to make snow angels! Fresh snow, fresh smiles!
    Sue B.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bah Humbug on Florida - - - there are no drastic seasonal changes there.

    Give me diamond crusted snow, a warm fireplace, and a hubby outside with the snowblower (so I don't have to do it) every time!

    ;-)

    ReplyDelete

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