Joy in the Business of the Season

Looking at the weather forecast today, I was a little sad to know that this beautiful sunny day might be the last fall day of this year. Pretty soon, with all of the snow coming in, the view outside my window will look like the beside picture (taken winter of my freshman year).

Yet, in an unexplainable way, I was excited to see snow this Monday for the first time since last April. Perhaps, the end of fall is here for a new beginning of winter season. And perhaps, this time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas is not just the final stressful end for us, but a hopeful beginning of what we can do better next time. As often as we feel down by the darkness of a cold winter, we are often discouraged and worn out by the business of the pre-Christmas season. With all the things that need to be done before Christmas such as final exams or work projects, Christmas shopping, etc…, we are worn down and thus forget how meaningful this time of year is.

At least we know that the meaning is there if we just take a moment to look. There will be snow and winter breeze even when we are burdened by study, work or other responsibilities, if only we would spend one moment to find joy in such beauty. In the same way, when we are troubled by life, we find others that care for us enough to bring peace into our lives again. May we learn to not be isolated by the coldness of winter and the business of our lives, but may we be lightened up by the freshness of cold air and be joyful for such loving gifts we are to one another.