Bigger Picture Moments: I Am Ready

After the leaves break free of the trees and race away leaving behind barren branches, I know it won't be long.

Winter around here is a full-invasion of forces -- the whipping winds, the blustery cold, the retreat of the sun ... each hand-delivering the winter blues that nestle seasonly into my mind.

Halloween afternoon, and I sigh as I layer my clothing; I pull hand warmers onto my hands, wrap the boys in scarves and hats and gloves and then squeeze them into costumes all while wondering why on Earth we live where we live, why we call home this six-months-out-of-the-year cold lay of land.

We decide to brave the elements and trick or treat the neighborhood behind ours; we take the small, tight, beaten path through the preserve to our destination rather than the trail or main road via car.

In glorious surprise, we come face to face with the parts of winter we don't often see as magnificent color spread out during our single-file march through trees and bushes skirting the edge of one of our prairie wetland marshes.

I'm reminded that beauty doesn't flee during the quick march of winter into our neck of the woods.

Rather, it's me.

I'm the one who retreats, waves the white flag of wool-socks, heavy scarves, down coats as I sink into the indoors while winter settles for its stay.

And.

I'm reminded that sometimes we just have to suit up

layer

by layer

by layer

to not just brave the elements

but enjoy them.

   

*****

Starting NEXT week, we will be gathering our harvest of blessings and naming them one by one, sharing the gratitude in our hearts every Thursday through the end of November. Won't you join us? Share a picture, words, creation or list; just come to the table with thanksgiving in your heart. 

Live.
Reflect on the blessings that were apparent to you this week.

Capture.
Harvest them!

Share.
This week link up your BPM moment at Alita's. And next week, come to the table ready to feast on gratitude at Brook's. Please be sure to link to your post, not your blog. Your post must link back here or have our button in your post or the link will be deleted.

Encourage.
Try to visit at least the person linked before you and encourage her in this journey we call life.