Posts
Okay, probably not.
Ten or 15 years ago January was last on my list. Back then I didn't like cold weather, and January just seemed like a bleak, blustery, colorless month that had to be endured. I wondered if a person could get in on the bears' hibernation deal.
What changed? Maybe it was when I got married in a January wedding. Suddenly there was a permanent bright spot on the calendar that time every year. Also around that time I launched into my transition from a hot-weather loving/cold-weather shunning girl into quite the opposite.
Whatever the reason, I now really like the first month o' the year. While not my absolute favorite, it does have its charms. Yes, after Christmas and New Year's, life resumes with the hustle and bustle of daily routines. ...But overall, there seems to be a quiet simplicity that hushes the land. A brisk stillness that can be seen in bare tree branches and blankets of snow. It's as if nature has paused for a moment.
It's a welcome chance for me to pause as well, reminiscing with a smile about the holidays, being grateful for countless blessings, and feeling hopeful about the time ahead. Maybe that's also why I'm drinking hot chocolate more often--it's a chance to warm up and take a moment to stop and just think...often a rarity in our busy days.
(At least that's the reason I tell myself as I take another sip.) =)
3 comments:
This is a great post. As my life is about the get far more interesting (work is going to get busy with trips, etc.), this is a great reminder to me to pause and see things in a little different way. We have a big youth trip in less than 2 weeks where our teeanger will hear some incredible things from God. And while I am stressed about the details, that's not what really matters, is it?
I too, love January and never really thought about why, but you have captured the 'why' perfectly in this beautiful post.
You have such a wonderful way with words...so when are you coming out with that book??? I just love your writing style, Alison! smiles...
Welcome back, Alison. You truly have a gift with words. You should write a few practice/demo commentary articles and submit them to various newspapers and magazines. Do it. Do it now.
Post a Comment