Winter

“In the winter it was easier for me to believe in God…” Donald Miller

It’s definitely winter here in CA. Last night, as we walked the slushy street trying to find a taxi home, the snow fell like feathers from the sky. The beauty of the night was in contention with my cold feet and heavy bag, but I’m positive that the glory of creation won out in the end.

After a few minutes’ walk, we were able to hail a taxi. Before reaching home, H & I stopped to pick up some kebabs for dinner. (Nothing like eating food from a street vendor to initiate your stomach to a new location.:) And as we waited for the meat to cook, the taxi driver and I conversed. We discussed the weather (it’s going to be cold and wet this year), how we heat our house (both in agreement that wood is the best), where I’m from (his guess was Germany—as is most people’s—I just like to remain a mystery), and the best location to buy kebabs (obviously the one we were at, since he had just purchased some there himself).

We arrived home 10 minutes later (after H had fully submerged her feet in a huge puddle of slush—ugggh!), to find that our hosts had not yet eaten. We ended up sharing our kebabs and they shared their re-heated soup and it wasn’t long before our stomachs were full and our bodies were warm. I even felt adventurous enough to take a bucket bath before bed, so I’m finally a little cleaner!

This morning it looked as though another foot of snow fell over night but right now the sky seems to be clearing. We still aren’t leaving Ktown today, as the radio tower “issue” has yet to be fixed. (Some are saying we may not leave for a week while others are saying December 31st!) So I find myself sitting here in the stillness of my room, looking out over the city street—with layers of glistening snow clinging to the otherwise bare limbs of the tree tops…smoke billows from the chimneys…men are shoveling their roofs…children, bundled in layers of clothes, excitedly walking to who knows where. I can’t help but reflect on D. Miller’s quote above. Personally, I’m not really sure that it’s any easier for me to believe in God in the winter, but right now I certainly see Him.

And right now I’m wondering if that’s not why I love winter so much? While others see winter as a time of darkness, I find it easier to see His light. And right now I'm asking that the people here will feel much the same.