Nov. 14 - Give Thanks for Cold Weather!

Yes, the snap of cold in the air certainly does mean that the carefree, warm days of summer are gone. It's time to break out the sweaters, mittens and coats. 

For those of us who live in the hot climates most of the year, the dip in tempertaure is really an event!  To have a break from the sweltering heat is truly a cause for celebration. We walk around with a turtleneck and sweater and ask each other "Are you enjoying the cold? Stay warm!"  But we've noticed that our friends from up north, where the snow piles up for months every year, don't ask each other such questions. Maybe because it's not really and truly COLD? 

The cold weather does bring a change, and it shakes us up, out of our everyday shuffle. We have to be awake. We have to pay attention. We can't just wander outside, willy nilly anymore, barefoot, wearing shorts. We have to make an effort and be prepared. We have a sense of time moving, of the year getting on, of growing older. 

This time of year reminds us to look around us and value the simple things - the crisp air, a warm coat, good, stout shoes. Friends and family.  The cold air is good, and it brings its own gifts. 

Lord, thank you for this change in temperature. Help us to remain awake and alert. Amen.