“Winter teaches me patience.” The other day, as I was looking for a reflection on winter for the grief group I facilitate at my parish, I came upon a poem by Sister Joyce Rupp. The very first line, “winter teaches me patience,” intrigued me and made me pause to ponder. Interesting. I let this idea settle in. How does winter teach me patience?

“Walk carefully on icy sidewalks.” Yes, I cannot rush about in winter as I do other times of the year, or I risk falling and hurting myself. Even if I am in a hurry, I must walk cautiously and carefully. Slow and steady wins the race. I must be patient with the icy surfaces and plant my feet slowly and carefully, patiently moving myself from one place to another. I can become anxious and frustrated with the slowness of progress, but by being in the moment, I patiently get where I need to go. Winter teaches me patience.

“Drive slower through snarled traffic.” We’ve all been stalled, or had to move in a snail-like manner, on snowy, icy winter roads. It always seems that, when I am the most late or in need of speed, that winter weather brings me up short. Take a deep breath; be mindful of the conditions, and patiently be fully aware and mindful each moment. Winter teaches me patience.Read More