Real Winter

We are right in the middle of winter here in Athens. Several years ago I identifed a period as "the real winter." It starts on January 15th and ends with March 1st. During these six weeks I try to pace my work more carefully, and I try to be especially kind in my interactions with other people. This year's real winter has included several very cold weeks and an entire week of serious snow and ice. The last several days has been unusually warm and gentle, a kind break in the middle of "real winter."

We have had several deaths and funerals in our congregation this year. Those who passed will be missed by our congregation. Memorial services were varied, reflecting the written wishes of those who died and the desires of their families also. People sometimes say that these periods, where we have several funeral service, must be hard for me. There is extra preparation to do, but the services are actually an encouragement. As we grieve we also give thanks to God for the life of the person who has died. A memorial service is usually encouraging and inspiring. When we see God's grace in the life of another person, it gives us hope that we will find strength to live well and to follow God faithfully also.

Our congregation includes many older people, but we are also seeing a group of younger adults gathering at our church. Many of them attend a Wednesday night supper and discussion group. They have been reading the book The One Life Solution by Henry Cloud. It's a great thing to see new friendships and loyalties growing. Participation has been strong, even when the weather was challenging.

Several years ago I read a book of poetry about the later years of life. I think the title was Green Leaf in Winter. The theme was that small signs of hope and grace are seen even in the challenging seasons of life. I have been seeing that happening this winter.