Winter Views
Personal Wellness Blog
By Krista Young
As the leaves fall from the trees, the sun sets earlier, and the skies turn gray, the world can feel a bit darker. Seasonal depression is real, and the simple joys of working in the garden, walking outside, or sitting on the porch are often put on pause during the winter months. After the upbeat spirit of the holidays, it can be hard to feel joy in the bleakness of winter.
Before living in the mountains, I used to think winter was the ugliest of the seasons. I didn’t appreciate the bare trees poking up like dead sticks from the ground, and I couldn’t wait for spring to bring life back again. But now I’ve discovered the beauty of the winter view in the mountains. During the other seasons, the trees are full and leafy, blocking the view of the mountains beyond my yard. Yet in winter, when the branches are bare, I can clearly see the ridgelines around me and watch the sky turn brilliant colors during sunrise and sunset from my front porch.
Winter also gives me a clear view of my neighbors. Our lots are large and full of trees, so for most of the year I can’t see another house. But when the leaves fall, I can see whether my elderly neighbors might need help in their yard, or if they’re at home and open to a short visit.
I once thought winter was an ugly season, but now I see its benefits and appreciate it in a whole new way. What a beautiful gift from God—to help me see the unique beauty and purpose in every season.
As you make your New Year’s resolutions—perhaps exercising more or drinking more water—consider adding one more goal: seeing the sun daily to help fight the winter blues. Wait… that might look like a typo. What I really mean is making a goal to see the Son daily, and to recognize all the gifts He gives us, in every season.
Krista Young is a DCE serving the LCMS Mission Advancement as a Mission Advocate. In this role, she shares the many ways God’s faithful people pray and support the mission of spreading the Gospel to family, neighbors, and to the ends of the earth. She and her husband have two young adult children and reside in the mountains of Western NC.