Poem: "Wnter" by William J. Byron, S.J.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of winter.
For the helpful reminder that a death of sorts is a
necessary preamble to life, I say thanks.

For the cold that makes me grateful for human warmth
and nature’s heat,
for the gray days that underscore the precious
brightness of the sun,
for the slowdown time to get in touch with
myself and you, I say thanks.

Winter is beautiful anywhere in the world,
as long as winter’s people
remember their springtime birth, summertime
growth, and autumnal preparation
for wintertime reality.

Help me to remember, Lord, with gratitude.
Help me to move through winter with hope in you.

Source: A Book of Quiet Prayer, page 40.