Ode to Winter

Soft, delicate crystals fall from an ancient sky,

gently claiming a spot nestled between other flakes.

A blanket of cold freezes the soft mud through

and the weakened sun reflects off the angled,

softened ice. The glistening ground moves

as the gusts pick up, hastily lifting a traveling

chain of sparkling specks. And sweeping them

across the barren plains, the flakes pile gently

upon striped and weathered bark; forming a

picturesque forest of white and brown. Slowly

shifting, moving, sweeping, the snow settles into

uneven piles and banks. Occasionally, an animal

smears the beauty with pawed stamps and mars

the crisp smoothness. Not a bird is heard, not a

creature stirs, only the whispering of swaying trees

and talking winds holds the attention of the Universe.

Calming and peaceful, winter inhabits the earth.

Why so much peace? Why so much silence? The beauty

such a season holds, captures a heart and soul; like the

brilliance that will shine from the Lord’s face upon the

day His kingdom will fully reign. It holds the breath-

taking resolution and invites one to lay its hands upon the

flawless surface and heart. The snow draws us near

to the pure white throne, no longer marred by sin and

animals. Invitingly, the branches pull one’s weeping

heart into a holy embrace. Winter restores the purity

and simplicity that loses meaning with time. It incites

a feeling of longing and holds the ultimate satisfaction.

It gives to whoever willingly receives its truth and

clings the willing recipient close.

Winter is more than a season; it is more than a sight.

It has feelings, longings, hopes, and dreams that it

longs to instill in each person’s heart. Upon the earth,

God has bestowed a gift; a direct representation of the

One who has reigned, is reigning, and will reign eternally.