I like Maryland winters because, no matter how cold they get, the weather always breaks for a little while in late January or early February and we get a few warmer days. Last Tuesday was warm and sunny, and I got the chance to take a walk in the woods. It's really encouraging to feel a touch of spring in the air before going back to gray skies and cold rain. It reminds me that the worst seasons don't last forever, even when they feel like they do.
Life in general proceeds in seasons. We go through sunny and gray seasons alike. Some are set off by major life events, but not all. As the seasons of the year change and our moods fluctuate with them, we meet different "weather" in life. The seasons can change suddenly or gradually, but each gives us something to adapt to. Plenty of us now are going through gray or dark seasons. They might seem unending now as we're in the midst of them. Just like the winter can make you forget the warmth, our struggles can make us forget our blessings. It's hard to imagine that the weather could ever change.
Once in a while, though, God sends us a warm breeze to remind us that "this too shall pass". It's usually something small, like a kind word from a friend. It's easy to miss these warm breezes because we're so focused on the cold. We can dismiss them as small or insignificant. But I think they are like warm days in February. God sends them once in a while to encourage us. Are we ready to notice them, or do we let them pass us by?
If you're in a sunny season, don't take it for granted. Be thankful that you've received such a gift. If the season is gray, persevere. This too will pass. And when God sends you a warm breeze, don't miss it.
Fr. Joe
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