Dear SCF Family,
As we pack away the tinsel and lights and tackle the leftovers in our fridge, it’s time to face our post-Christmas reality: winter in Sunriver is just getting started. For some of you, this is not a problem: You pack your bags and head south. But for most of us, we’re looking at the next several months of snow, possibly ice, and more snow.
I love the snow. I mean, I love the snow for a week or two. I enjoy hiking in the snow, watching my dog live her best life by burying her nose and flinging white flakes into the air. Sledding with my daughter brings me
great joy – at least until one of us gets tired and wants to go home. So yeah, I don’t mind winter for a few weeks.
But come February, March, April…May. Well, it can start feeling dreary. Each year, after the high of Christmas, I find myself drawn to W.H. Auden’s poem, “For the Time Being.” His poem makes me laugh out loud, especially the line about trying to love all our relatives and grossly underestimating our powers to do so, but more-so his poem captures the post-Christmas blues, and the challenge of returning to “normal life.”
“Well, so that is that. Now we must dismantle the tree, putting the decorations back into their cardboard boxes some have got broken- and carrying them to the attic. The holly and the mistletoe must be taken down and burnt, and the children got ready for school. There are enough left-overs to do, warmed-up, for the rest of the week— not that we have much appetite, having drunk such a lot, stayed up so late, attempted—quite unsuccessfully—to love all of our relatives, and in general grossly overestimated our powers. Once again as in previous years we have seen the actual Vision and failed to do more than entertain it as an agreeable possibility, once again we have sent Him away, begging though to remain His disobedient servant, he promising child who cannot keep his word for long. The Christmas Feast is already a fading memory, and already the mind begins to be vaguely aware of an unpleasant whiff of apprehension at the thought of Lent and Good Friday which cannot, after all, now be very far off.
The Time Being is, in a sense, the most trying time of all.”
The poem continues but is rather long for a church newsletter so I will let you look it up. You can find it here: https://www.davidlose.net/2013/03/for-the-time-being/ if you’d like to read the whole poem.
In all, W.H. Auden’s For the Time Being reminds us that this is the time for the quiet, steady work of faith. Even when winter’s chill lingers and the glow of the season dims, the invitation is to keep our hearts warm with gratitude, laughter, and faith. So, here are a few spiritual practices to help you embrace the season with joy and purpose, even when the snow piles high and the nights feel long.
“Christmas Isn’t Over” Corner
Auden reminds us that Christmas isn’t a day but a way of being. Dedicate a little space in your home—a mantle, a table, or even a windowsill—to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Add a candle, a pinecone, or a favorite ornament. Each time you see it, whisper a prayer of hope: “Emmanuel, God with us, guide us still.”
Mini Snowwoman or Snowman making
Encourage everyone who visits to create a small snowman by their front door. It’s a simple reminder to smile every time you leave or come home.
Start a Gratitude List
Forget the idea of a “gratitude journal” that sounds more like a homework assignment than a joy-filled practice. Instead, keep it simple with a gratitude list. This can be your go-to spot for jotting down names or things you appreciate whenever inspiration strikes. Whether it’s on your phone, stuck to the fridge, or tucked in your car, just add to it as you go.
Prayer Walks
Bundle up, grab a walking stick, and take a slow stroll in the snow (or just around the block). Pay attention to the beauty God has tucked into this season: the crunch of snow underfoot, the skeletal grace of bare trees, or the delicate etchings of frost on windows. Pray as you walk.
“Random Acts of Winter Kindness” Challenge
Spread God’s love with small acts of kindness. Surprise your neighbor by shoveling their driveway, leave a cheerful note in a mailbox, or pay for someone’s coffee.
Go to church!
We’re here, Sunday after Sunday, ready to welcome you and remind you that you are loved! Come worship with us!
If you try any of these practices, I’d love to hear about it! May this season be one with many moments of laughter and deep joy!
With warmth and love,
Pastor Kally