Savor the moment

It is winter in Indiana. Some days we have snow on the ground and it is frigid. Other days it is rather balmy and we can grill outside without bundling up. Plus, you never know if the sun will make an appearance.

For some people this can be a rather depressing time of year, and I can understand that feeling. But in some ways I love it! I love to just hunker down in my home, light some candles, make a cup of something hot and chocolate, grab a blanket and settle in with a good book. When I'm not teaching piano to my students, I love spending time in my craft room being creative. I enjoy making soups and stews with thick, chunky bread for supper. I'm not quite ready to go live like Little House on the Prairie days - but it's a good time of the year to make life a little less complicated.

And I guess, if I'm honest, I'm sensing the increasing speed of seasons passing. I used to cringe every time my grandmother would talk about how fast the days were going and as a teen and then a young adult I just didn't understand that sentiment. But as I'm a wee bit older now, I get what she was saying. It seems like you blink and a day or two have slipped away.

I've already talked about how my goal this year is to simplify life. I'm working on it. I am also trying to savor each productive day ~ completed activity ~ conversation ~ quiet moment ~ bursts of laughter ~ creative expression ~ flash of spontaneity .I think all those things help slow life down a little. I know it makes me grateful for all the gifts God has blessed me with - even in this season of winter.