Northeast Ohio is being treated to a few days of springlike weather this week. Although the colder temps are forecasted to soon return, a few days of warmer weather has certainly felt invigorating.
It’s been quite a slog the past several months. And while that’s not atypical for this time of year, I still never seem to get used to it. Each winter seems to hit harder than the previous. (Perhaps that’s just my old age speaking after turning 49 earlier this month. Although, at least I can still say I’m in my 40s!).
It is still winter, but there are subtle signs of spring starting to emerge.
The ground is starting to loosen, letting go of its winter stiffness. The snow that held everything in stillness has retreated. And if you listen closely, you can hear things waking up. Squirrels and chipmunks are starting to scurry about; birds are abundant; the deer seem to linger longer in my backyard; and my thermostat isn’t constantly humming. There are even subtle signs of the first green shoots pressing through the softened ground.
All these happenings are very welcomed, indeed.
Winter has a way of making us feel stuck. Stalled out. Like nothing is happening. We can feel the weight of the cold, the silence, the stripped-down trees, and mistake it for barrenness and desolation.
But life never really stops – not in the ground, and certainly not in us
Beneath the frost, unseen roots continued to stretch. Seeds continued to lay in wait. The trees, though stripped bare, were storing up energy, preparing for the moment when the warmth would return. Everything was happening, even when it looked like nothing was.
And maybe that’s us, too. Maybe we’ve felt frozen in place, stuck in a season that felt endless. Maybe we’ve wondered if anything is actually growing, if anything is moving forward.
But winter is not a wasted time. The quiet, the stillness, the seeming pause – it’s all part of the process.
Now, the thaw begins. The stirring under the surface. The shift in the air. We are waking up again.
If you’ve felt like nothing has been happening in your life, if you’ve felt stuck in a season of cold, don’t lose heart. You are certainly not alone. But rest assured, life has been happening. Even when you couldn’t see it, even when it didn’t feel like it. And now, just like the earth beneath our feet, you are coming to life again.
Spring is almost here. Keep going.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Happy Spring, Scott ! And thanks for the words of encouragement!
Scott, a post from you is just what is needed right now. Thank you for the perspective and hope for warmer, brighter days.
Scott, Thanks for the email. Once again it was a pleasure to hear your perspective ! I always enjoy your writings! You do have a gift of building up, looking forward and just enjoy the day we have been given. Thanks for that! You touch the World over and over again!
Good message. Nature comes about and we shed our winter coats. Enjoy the sunshine and the many up and down weather days here in Northeast Ohio. Summer will be here soon. A good thought to cheer anyone’s heart.
Nice piece of verse there Scott.! Remember…. It’s always 5 O’clock somewhere! 🤣
Hello from an old fantasy footballer!
Outstanding message, Scott and such an important reminder.
Hi Scott, You have inspired me to get things ready to work in the yahd (as we in New England).
I love when it warms up between winter – the kids instantly refuse to wear anything other then a hoodie 😂 Even though we are not on the other side yet!
You make it sound so special! Can’t wait to see some flowers.
Thanks for the email Scott. Always good to hear from you. I’m with you, I’m looking forward to some warmer weather…… and I’m from Northern California lol! Take care buddy!
Thanks for the email Scott. Always good to hear from you. I’m with you, I’m looking forward to some warmer weather…… and I’m from Northern California lol! Take care buddy!
Helloooo Sunshine!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the reminder.
What a beautiful metaphor, Scott. I well remember the feeling of the”winter blahs”. Sending some AZ sunshine your way as always ☺️
Your writing is always on point. I’ve been battling various infections this fall/winter, including one now, and I needed to read your encouraging words. Tom said that your talk at school went over extraordinary well with the students in what’s become an annual traditional meeting with the seniors. They, no doubt, needed to hear what you had to say, too. At least the sunny days have been a bonus. God bless!
Scott- You have a beautiful writing talent that you so generously share with all of us. I can almost picture the tulips, pushing through the mulch with your descriptive text. Thank you for the continued inspiration and jolt of energy this early spring time that we can all certainly use after a dark, cold winter season!