Warming up winter

Do not be too quick to condemn the man who no longer believes in God: 
for it is perhaps your own coldness and avarice and mediocrity and materialism 
and selfishness that have chilled his faith. –Thomas Merton


February in the northern hemisphere can be a bleak, dismal time of year. The official halfway point of winter this year is February 4—so in theory, it’s all downhill from here, right? Isn’t that handy, to be able to look at a calendar and know that in meteorological terms, anyway, this dark, cold, bleak season is half done? The end is in sight. Somehow, that gives us strength to carry on, to take a deep breath and keep on shoveling.

As we wander closer to Ash Wednesday and prepare for Lent, it’s somehow fitting that we are also in the coldest time of year. We have wrapped up the joyful celebrations of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany; now we begin the other high holy season, the time during which we are reminded again, in a different way, just how deeply God loves us: enough not only to take on human form and walk among us, but enough to die on the cross in a real victory over sin, death and darkness.

And in a wonderful example of holy humor, this year Ash Wednesday falls on . . . Valentine’s Day. On the day we bestow gifts of chocolates and roses on those we love, this year we also begin a thoughtful journey with Jesus, whose gift of love goes oh, so much deeper than a clever Hallmark card.

Whether you give something up or not, whether you add a good deed or donation to your Lenten walk, spend time each day and remember. Remember the true sacrifice of Love, and give thanks. Let God’s love warm your heart.

Monday Not everyone has a safe, warm place to stay in the winter. Consider donating to a group that serves the homeless population. Deuteronomy 15:1-5

Tuesday Are you a gardener? Seed catalogs are coming soon! Think to the future. Dream of new life. Psalm 37:37

Wednesday How are you feeling? Are you due for any checkups or follow-ups? What’s keeping you from making the appointment? Today is a good day for that. 3 John 2

Thursday Food banks and kitchens always need helpers. Are you able? Try something new and volunteer to help sort or serve. It just might change your life. Romans 12:2

Friday Invite a friend for coffee or a meal. Whether you cook or meet at a café, focus on one another. Enjoy reconnecting. Mark 1:16-18

Saturday Begin this day with a time of quiet. Set a goal of five minutes (or more if it’s your routine); increase that time each week during Lent. Rest in the peace. Isaiah 30:18

Sunday Look around you. Reach out this morning to someone who looks unlike you. Give thanks for the beautiful diversity in God’s children. Genesis 2:19-20


Look around now: Leaves are brown, and the sky is a hazy shade of winter. –Paul Simon

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