Yesterday I went for a walk with a friend. The sun was already down and we were enclosed in darkness. People brushed by us with their faces tucked away in thick winter coats. We wore hats, coats and gloves, but it was still cold.
As we walked the busy streets of our town I realized how much I detest the cold.
I don’t like my whole body shuddering in these low temperatures.
I don’t like tense muscles because I’m shivering so much.
I don’t like wet feet because the beautiful white snow has become some brown disgusting slump.
I don’t like people running past each other, everyone in a hurry to get out of the cold. We’re generally in a bad mood because, well, it’s just too cold.
I don’t like that it’s Advent, but I am way too busy to even slow down, reflect and let Christmas joy settle in my worry-haunted heart.
Since I spent a few years in warmer realms I am naturally inclined towards the sun.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have summer all year round, I would suggest in my dreams.
Recently I’ve come to answer this question with no.
Despite the cold and the moody people, winter has its beauty.
There are lights and the smell of freshly cut branches in the house.
There’s baking Christmas cookies and gathering for tea times with friends.
There are slower songs that bring back memories from all those winters when we were small.
There’s a moment of slowing down, letting go, death.
Creating space for unseen things to grow and unfold.
Practicing patience while waiting for spring to bring back new life and new dreams.
Winter is a moment for the soul to pause and cleanse itself. When the first rays of sun and blossoms break through in spring it is ready to rejoice and take in new life.
Just as nature blossoms and dies we need these seasons to learn, to wait, to grow.
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
thisiskatha.com 
Wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for your posts, they are inspiring, the right length and depth and often express a certain vague feeling I have in my heart I don’t bother to find words for. But you do in a beautiful way, that makes me feel understood without leaving me in my self-pity. Thank you. And God bless you Katha, your Tabea
THANK YOU so much, Tabea! That really means a lot, especially from you as a fellow writer! 🙂 Blessings!
So much THIS: “Winter is a moment for the soul to pause and cleanse itself. When the first rays of sun and blossoms break through in spring it is ready to rejoice and take in new life. Just as nature blossoms and dies we need these seasons to learn, to wait, to grow.” Yes! I’m parked in the #46 spot this week.
Thanks, Tara!
Hi I am your neighbor here at FMF this week. Living in South Africa we are exxperiencing some serious heatwaves – and I dont like it! I dont do well in the heat, I prefer the cold. I love the cold, but you know I have also realised it is good to embrace every season, just like the seasons of our lives. So I hope you enjoy the winter and thanks for sharing! 🙂 Aliyah (setapartwarrior.me)
Very nice to meet you, Aliyah! Whereabouts in SA do you live? I used to live near Pretoria and you’re right, December is crazy hot! Hopefully you have a pool to cool off! 🙂
What beautiful thoughts, especially what great things happen while we are waiting to move from one season into another. I tend to think that the most personal growth happens in our least favorite season. Thank you for sharing and stay warm.
That is definitely true. And we mostly realize the growth only afterwards…Thanks, Kamryn!