Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Perspective...

It's funny. This thing called perspective.

I grew up in New England. The weather we are having here now, would be described as typical of my childhood - if of course you added a foot or two of snow....

But, I have become accustomed to the warmer winters of the south. Yes, it gets cold (occasionally) and yes it snows (from time to time), but this below-freezing-for-days stuff makes me just want to hibernate. I stay inside, sit by the fire and realize how "softened" I have become. (my friends who are still in the North call me a "wimp".) Whatever. I'm good with that.

I'm also good with daffodils in February....which, by the way, gives me hope that this will end soon.

But, I wonder... how did I ever survive up there...? Yes, of course I had boots, heavy gloves and a (real) winter coat. These days, if I need more than a hoodie, I'd just as soon stay in. And, I had snow.... and "thicker" blood...

Yes, I can walk my children out to the carpool barefoot in winter (our typical winter, that is), and I let the dog out on the snow covered deck the same way, so I haven't TOTALLY given up my upbringing.

But this... this is different. This is C-O-L-D. And it has stayed. *sigh*

And yes, I am counting my blessings that I will be able to cover my increased electric bill, and that I have a gas fireplace should we ever be electricity-free. I am also being reminded of how nice our typical winters are here in TN. I could still be in New England - shoveling snow fall after snow fall...

I am so grateful to be here.... Thank You God....

(though I am sure I would have enjoyed Vermont as well....)

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