A season of rest…
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.’ Lewis Carroll
Though I love all seasons, winter is not my favorite. In spring, I’m excited to plan and plant the garden with flowers and vegetables. I also like to begin hiking a few Sierra trails as the snow releases its icy grip on the lower elevations. Summer means breathtaking hikes in the mountains with friends as well as swimming and paddleboarding in beautiful mountain lakes. Summer also brings colorful flowers, fresh fruit, and barbeques with family. Autumn, my favorite season, brings colorful leaves along with cool nights and perfect temperature days. Fall is often a time for a camp & hike adventure or a longer travel trip. Winter, well, it’s cold. The days are short. Snowshoeing is much harder than hiking…and cross country skiing, due to my serious lack of coordination on skis these days, holds the same level of frustration as driving in city rush hour traffic. Do you hear a little bit of winter whining?
Yet 2025 has been such a busy year that I am actually anticipating wintertime. The thought of less demanding days, and a calendar that is not quite so packed is very appealing. This year, I can picture myself at home more, with snowy or rainy days outside (hopeful for that weather as we need the moisture). The prospect of some quiet time to read, puzzle, and work on a few house projects at a more relaxed pace seems inviting. Yes, I’ll still get out for daily walks as well as some hikes and snowshoe outings. And to fill my heart with joy, I’ll connect regularly with family and friends. To feed my soul, I’m looking forward to longer quiet times and a study on silence and solitude with God.
Sometimes, we allow ourselves to get so scheduled and busy that we have no time to refresh ourselves in the simplicity of life. While we should take time off regularly throughout the year, winter provides a unique opportunity to let God slow us down and embrace a rhythm of life that allows rest and the appreciation of simple things. For me, the temptation to commit to so many things that my calendar always screams “overcommitted” is one that remains even in winter but I’m hopeful that I can make a conscious effort to maintain a slower pace of life for just a few months. This winter, I am picturing myself as a little hedgehog in a burrow, sipping a cup of tea while watching it snow outside.
What will you “do” or “not do” to make this winter a special season of rest?