On A Bright Winter's Day

Tuning it all out is what I call it. The insanity that the media creates about the impending storm. It's winter, and aren't we used to a few flakes? What choice do we have, anyway? Every station was saying something different. How can that be? No one person seemed to have the right story as of last evening. We were led to believe that we would have up to sixteen inches of snow from this one, which was coming up from the South. So much for their sophisticated technology.

Panic, Panic, and more Panic! That is the reality that we live in today. It would appear that the news thrives on "bad news" so to speak. Yet, what was the reality? Here, at least where I was, the day was beautiful. That's what I saw. That was my reality. Tonight the wind is blowing out there but with it's gusts, no real accumulation, as of yet. Now, they are saying we will have 3" to 6" of snow. It should taper off around midnight. Alarmists all of them! I was safe, warm and happy.

I spent most of the day cleaning the bathroom, cleaning and polishing, while enjoying the view of a wooded backyard. Animal footprints disappeared as I wondered what in fact, they were, now swept away by the wind and other elements. It was so quiet and enjoyable. The only other sound was the Byzantine Chant that I played, a CD by the Boston Byzantine Choir, entitled: "Thy Passion." And, at times, I joined in.

Winter is a great time for soup, and I had one simmering on low, the smell permeated the air in all it's grandness. Life was meant to be enjoyed in a very simple manner with an air of peacefulness and a heart full of thanksgiving.

I was never one for a lot of "things" or distractions that get in the way of what is to be a joyful beginning into a lenten "atmosphere" which promotes a state of mind that leads to a "summer place." This state of mind can change your life, helping you overcome any obstacle that you may encounter.

We struggle to find our way through the muck constantly bombarding us at every turn. We are only able to take one step at a time on life's journey. Praising God for all things, and finding Him patiently waiting for us along the way because He is always there. He is with you especially in the stillness, on a bright winter's day.

We are capable of the "Ultimate Surrender" foretasting Pascha, in our Lenten endeavour, and we desire to approach Him, hearing the small inner unmistakable voice that is His and trusting in Him that orders all things for you. And in all things, we do not question why, but accept His will for us.