Winter is here: looking at the season differently this year

No greater gift than sacrifice

Well, winter is here. The first snows have arrived, and I have to end my long bout of denial. As long as the temperatures were still in the forties and the sun was shining, I could pretend that it was still fall.

Now don’t get me wrong, I think snow is beautiful, and I love to look at it. I am not scared to drive in it because I have been doing that my whole life.

But this year, for some reason, I am looking at winter differently. I can see the suffering it brings along with the beauty.

My long-shut eyes have been opened, and I have had to stop and wonder why. I have to examine myself.

This year I noticed more of the suffering of people and animals who have to be out in the cold. I personally make sure my small animals are inside, but what can I do for the large ones besides feed and water them?

I am more aware that I go home to a warm house while others are sleeping in tents in our area. We do have a rather large homeless population.

I have noticed that instead of celebrating the “happy holiday” spirit, some of my students get quiet and sad this time of year.

Many don’t get presents or visits from Santa Clause because they live at the poverty level, and there is no extra money for those things.

So, what do I do to change the bad things I see? In Galatians 6:2 it says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

I will give my time and my money to help those less fortunate than myself.

My daughters and I will be making “comfort blankets” for Shriner’s Hospital in Spokane so that children who have to spend the Holidays being sick can have something special.

I will be giving money to the food bank so that they can purchase food for those who don’t have funds to buy it for themselves

I will be giving money to the animal shelters so they can feed and care for animals who aren’t loved by someone of their own.

I will care for other living things just like Jesus cared for me by suffering on the cross for my sins that I might have eternal life.

There is no greater gift than that.