Today, the first of February, it was an unseasonably 70 degrees outside. Typically, February is the coldest month of the year for all of us here in Virginia but given the warmth of the season, so far--it has been so much like spring that bees, snakes, and even daffodils have been sighted, all obviously confused by the warm weather--I'm not so sure that will hold true this year. While I do enjoy the loveliness of spring, I'm usually only prepared for it after a nice, chilly, snowy winter. Despite my disappointment in the lack of flurries I'm still holding out hope, after all it has been known to snow in April here, and I'd love a good snow day with the munchkins. In keeping with the recent warmth, I thought I'd share this fantastic excerpt from Hold Me Up A Little Longer, Lord by Marjorie Holmes. As the golden sun warmed my skin today, this prayer warmed my soul.
For All Warm Things
-A Winter Prayer-
For all warm things of this season I thank you, Lord.
For the warmth of my house as I come in cold from shopping.
For the Fragrant warmth of my kitchen as I turn on the oven and sift and measure and stire and bake. For the snug warmth of the bedrooms where (finally, after much commotion) my children sleep.
For the warmth of this cup of steaming coffee in my hand as I settle down (exhausted, and at last) before the fire that dances so warm and festive on the grate.
And for warm clothes, Lord. These slippers, this rob--all the untidy closets bursting. That car coat tossed across the chair. And the car itself, a warm car to take us places (once we get it started). And those warm places: the homes of neighbors, friends, a warm church to worship in.
And the warm people there. The warm smiles and greetings. The generosity and kindness of people everywhere.
I am full of this warmth, Lord. It comforts me, it calms me. It makes me feel a glow almost as rosy as the embers in the fireplace. I want all people to be warm and rested and at peace.
Thank you for this blessed season of warmth in the midst of so much that is chill and stormy. Let it draw all of us together against the coming cold.
Amen.
