Winter Solstice is here

With cold temperatures and long nights, it already feels like a long time since summer.  But the darker days of autumn are just a preamble to the paradox of the solstice.  December 21 is the first day of winter.  It is the shortest day of the year, and it marks the beginning of a season of shivers and gloom.

But it also marks the beginning of the long return to light and warmth.  Good things take time.  Warming the earth for Spring after a long cold season is a process, but we have faith and so we patiently wait.

Warming the heart is less a matter of faith and more an exercise in hopeful action.  We open the door to a new acquaintance, we allow friendship to grow, we nurture trust, we give room for love to find its place.

Best wishes for the winter, and for the warmer days and friendships to come.