The Joys of Winter

Last week, the sun was shining brightly, the temperature rose and alas spring has come!
Or so we thought. After one week, the coldness came back, temperature was again down to 4 degrees. Winter is here to stay.

Three months ago, I wrote about how I prepared for winter.
Now, winter is almost over.
Most of the time, winter is gloomy. There is a feeling of sadness in a cold, dark, winter night. So most of I time I just sleep hehe.
There is the challenge of waking up and taking a shower (thankfully, there is hot water) when the thermometer (actually, an Android app) shows 5 degrees.
But come to think of it, there are many good things that winter offers. Let me count the ways.

1. Ironing can be bypassed. Since most of the time, a jacket or sweater is worn, the inner clothing needs not be ironed, saving time and electricity.
2. Winter brings out the fashionista. Boots and sweater can make you feel like a New Yorker, ala Anne Hathaway in "The Devil Wears Prada". It's cold so keeping warm is a must, and do it in style. Presenting my winter boots and sweater collection :)

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 3. The cold weather is actually more conducive for working. I know hot, having grown in a tropical country. Between feeling cold or hot, I would choose cold if I want something done.
4. Since the nights are longer, it actually promotes bonding for parents and children as everyone is forced to stay at home.
5. The abundance of winter season fruits. My favorites are berries! I am having a grand time eating strawberries and blueberries. They are so affordable during winter, and gives a dose of antioxidants too.

So there it is, my take on winter.
Soon it will be over and I will see the beautiful flowers blooming in spring.

Winter is not all that bad.
Winter is the equivalent of troubled times in our lives - there is darkness, gloominess. We feel it is never-ending but everything does come to an end. And new hope springs after challenging times.

Good thing I bought things I needed for winter like blankets, heater, boots and sweaters. In life, problems may suddenly arise. We are taken aback and caught by surprise, feeling helpless. But even if we feel that way, I believe God has been preparing us all along. Problems are in itself preparation for times ahead.

Tropical countries like my homeland, the Philippines, do not experience winter. Instead, harsh storms hit hard. Lately, storms have been ruthless, bringing much rain, damaging properties, taking lives. It is devastating.

Winters and storms, nature's way of preparation. We should be brave, we should stay strong. For if we do not endure the winters and storms of our lives, how can we enjoy the loveliness of spring or bask in the summer sun?