blessing

Praise for the winter.

For the snow that creaks under foot.

For the clarity of cold,
For the deep blue sky, the brilliant sun
and at night; the long full moon shadows.

For the thick ice on the cemetery pond,
where children skate and find a new kind of
balance.

May we be grateful for this time of contemplation and quiet.
A time to reevaluate and reflect.

In winter we learn to appreciate small things.
The warmth of a fire in the wood stove.

Guitar music and singing at Bemis Hall.
The company of friends as we stay closer to home.

The hoot of an owl somewhere in the dark.
Deep powder.

We Praise winter for what it can teach us.
To reach out to those who are less fortunate,
for the cold reminds us that the need is great.

To walk more slowly,
being conscious of each step we take.
For in these uncertain times, where good news is slow in coming,
We are challenged to keep our balance.

Winter reminds us that we can get along with less.

And winter teaches us to be patient, for nature insists on taking it’s time.

As the days grow longer and the seeds of new beginnings stir in the ground,
may we hold dear the deep lessons of the heart, learned in this quiet time.



I was up in the pulpit once again today. Leading the prayers this time. Here is my ode to winter. B.