Damp and shivering cold. The earth as hard as iron. Dark gloomy shadows and stinging rude breath. Even poets seem to focus on the bleakness of winter.

This winter some very dear people have passed away as well … and they will be sorely missed. Winter can seem a hard time indeed.

Winter is not as forgiving as other seasons. Winter requires more preparation and more perseverance.

Yet winter has a beauty of its own … enough to give hope for the springtime that will come.

This winter, reflect. Reflect on the austere visual elegance and the peaceful silence of winter. Remember and reflect on the delightful people and places we’ve been given.

And thank God for the hope that is within us.