March madness is over and robins have returned. But this long winter remains in memory.
There was a lot of snow and cold, even for longtime residents of the Chicago area. The remains in parking lots and by driveways, stacked by plows, became increasingly black. All the normal debris of the world, long hidden under snowbanks showed itself. Old newspapers, branches, bottles and cans, now stood out against soggy earth.
As the season changes, we are freed from heavy coats and thick gloves. Our attention turns to outdoor activities so long avoided. The things we do, the clothes we wear, the natural connections we make with neighbors and friends all change.
As winter releases its grip on our lives, it is as if we can breathe again. A long warm season from late spring, through summer and into early fall stretches out before us.
We have no control on the weather, even less on the change of season. Even if global warming is changing the patterns of weather and seasonal storms, we are the ones experiencing the effects.
We have no control of the winter season, so we learn to live through it, day by day. There are many difficult times of life. The spiritually healthy person learns to live through them one day at a time. There may come a spring – a resurrection of life – and we can breathe again.
Grace and Peace.
