This winter more then any other I question why we live in the cold. I recently read an article on buzz that proclaimed Rochester #3 out of 7 of the top cities who are prepared to handle the bad weather. And indeed we continue year after year to be more ready to handle the weather. In fact this winter is my 11th winter back in the North and I'm so glad that I had 10 winters to prepare my body for the cold this winter has brought.
But winter brings with it an isolation and also a survive mode that can hinder our relationship with God and each other. The "normal" rules often get pushed to a limit or broken when winter hits - just take a look at a parking lot and the crazy drivers who park anywhere they choose. We can easily get into a runt in which we are looking out for ourselves and not really caring about others. It is easy for us to forget about the other when we are consumed with the every day details of ourselves - the drive is too long, the snow is too deep, I am stuck in my house, I need this in order to be OK...
This season we should challenge ourselves to not only think of the other but reach out. When we are stuck in our house due to the weather, call a friend/ or church member and see what they are doing to cope. When we haven't seen someone at church in a while, call on them - send a note through the mail (at least the post office has stayed pretty on top of things this winter). And when you are feeling isolated, pray - knowing and believing that God is always with us.
Let us listen this winter season to the challenge that Jesus proclaims - to love our neighbors as ourselves! Let us find ways to show love, even when the weather colds our hearts.
