Hello world! I haven’t gone into hibernation, although you might be forgiven for thinking so. It seems that when life gets ‘interesting,’ my writing is one of the first things to suffer. But it seems that ‘interesting times’ also bring out my inclination to pray. While having trouble with some sorts of writing, I have been quietly writing prayers with some regularity. They cover all sorts of subjects, but the main theme is gratitude. Because while some things have been tough, I have also had much to be grateful for and it helps me to remember it.
If you aren’t into prayers, feel free to look away, or just see it as a meditation on things I’m glad about.
Thank you to everyone who has ever read anything I’ve written. You are some of the many things I am grateful for!
Lord, thank you for the winter.
I know some people hate the cold, but I don’t mind it. The summer sun is glorious and my garden loves it, but you know, Lord, that I am not as young or as thin as I used to be and hot days can sometimes be too glorious for my comfort.
So I like it when it’s time to get out the scarves and jumpers and change the bedclothes over from thin feather-and-down to thick wool. I love to slip my hands into the soft, knitted lining of the leather gloves my sister brought me from Florence. And I get such thrills when I wear the beautiful socks that my friend knitted for me. They’re much too lovely to stay in the drawer all year, but winter is the only time my hot feet can bear socks!
I like the winter food, too. Soups, stews, casseroles; sausages and mash and hot puddings – there’s a reason people call them comfort food. Easy to make and satisfying to eat, they’re my idea of perfect dinner and this is the season when they are most enjoyable. Thank you for the generations of women who found tasty and economical ways to warm their families on cold winter evenings and shared their recipes with us.
I’m seeing a theme here, Lord! Winter seems to bring out my appreciation for tangible expressions of love. Cuddles, warm gifts and lovingly made food seem all the more valuable when the outside world is cold. Help me to remember this, Lord, when I’m looking for ways to be your hands in the world. Remind me that simple, practical things are sometimes the best way to warm those who are cold. Make me generous in sharing the warmth you have given me.
Amen.
Wine, Women & Wordplay 