Living in Chicago for a major part of my life, I remember the many Winter storms I have survived. Now those were real storms of never-ending snow, slush and freezing cold. One would shovel as soon as it started, then several times during the storm and the clean-up that followed afterwards until we did it all over again in a few days. The sidewalks resembled snow tunnels piled up high. My children would build igloos using 5 gallon buckets.
We have been living in Central Illinois now for almost five years and the Winters here have been quite mild compared to Chicago. People have no idea what winterwear consists of where many don't even own a coat. I regale our friends with stories of wearing plastic bags inside my boots to keep them from freezing, keeping blankets in the cars to drape over our laps and the many days/nights of scraping the ice off our cars. They just stare at me like a deer in headlights as if I was a dinosaur from the centuries ago. And you walked how many miles to school? Barefoot?
Winters are pretty mild in Central Illinois to say the least. Once in a while, a storm passes through and for a short period, we are covered in a Winter Wonderland. This morning, the temperatures read a mere 2 degrees. You would think these people would get a jacket, hat and gloves on? Absolutely not! They dash like a gold medal Olympic runner to their cars dressed in their sweats. A coat? Bah, who needs one?!
I, personally, have always enjoyed the Winter. Yes, I don't enjoy pumping gas when the wind blows so hard and we stand shivering. Yes, I don't enjoy scraping ice and snow off the car. Yes, I don't enjoy the dreary and cloudy skies with no sunshine to be seen anywhere.
Yet, there is something so serene, majestic and peaceful in seeing the beauty of a Winter Wonderland. From the inside, of course. I really do miss a real Winter like the one we had in Chicago. To me, Winter is a time of reflection and relaxation of both mind and body. A time well spent in reassessing how well we did during the year. We can determine what needs to be weeded out from our lives and what graduates into the coming year.
It is also a time where I play catchup with various projects that can only be done at home. The books we want to read and the movies we want to watch curled up on our couch with our favorite blanket enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. When does a hearty soup or chowder or a bowl of chili taste the best? Only in the Winter.
All four of the Seasons have their splendor and purpose. There is beauty in this Creation Our Lord made for us. A Season and a time for everything. What is Winter to you?
Have a blessed day everyone.
