People who don’t live in Southern California often cannot believe that those of us who
do actually experience Winter.
Yet … we endure rain, not snow, and lower our expectations for a long streak of perfect sunny days. We also tolerate temperatures that challenge tank tops, bathing suits and flip-flops.
My friends back East might scoff. But I don’t believe the essence of Winter is merely a breaking news story on the Weather Channel, or icy roads and a pile of snow unwilling to melt.
Winter is a time for reflection, a cycle designed for the soul to pause, despite the usual pressing needs.
“I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape —
the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show.”
~Andrew Wyeth
Winter is also a season when the days are shorter — between sun up and sun down; you can still count on your usual 24 hours. And since the sun sets sooner than we would like, those of us in Southern California are likely to return early to the nest to share a hot meal and cuddle with loved ones.
More importantly, the dead of Winter described by Andrew Wyeth is a test of faith. Every year we must go deep into the season and into our own hopes and dreams, and believe better days are just around the corner.
“O, wind, If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
