Note: I initially wrote this at the beginning of February. I
never posted it because it sounds pretty sad and if I write too many of sad
ones in a row, people start to worry (or worse, bring up the 'd' word). But
right now I'm watching the sun drift into the gulf of mexico while my wife
pretties herself up for the evening (who am I kidding...she's crazy gorgeous all the time). In this blessed moment, I can appreciate
how having lows make the highs more appreciated. And...it's just a
part of who I am, another lens of my life, and I think I'm not the only one...
...so here it is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My Winter Blanket"
It comes out each January
It envelops me
I hold it close
I need it...
...but I don't like it
It keeps me distant
Mutes all of my senses
But I cling to it
My Love tries to pull it off...
...I snap it back.
She stops trying
I think part of my blanket falls on her, too
Why don't I just take it off?
I need it?
Makes me feel important?
It's not on year round...
...only winter
...when it's cold
...when I'm cold
I wear it at night
I wear it at work
I wear it at church
...especially church
Sometimes it falls off when I play guitar
I like that.
Makes that time sparkle
But it usually finds its way back on
My kids notice
"Why are you so sad today?"
or worse...they wear their own blanket
What a gift...
...my dad-made, multi-generational, winter blanket
How thoughtful.
Come spring it's put away
By summer I've forgotten all about it
The fall is exciting...a new beginning!
...and then it's winter...
...and I greet my winter blanket.
...
But I have hope.
I recognize my winter blanket for what it is
I'm studying what it's made of...
...how it clings to me
...what I can do to let it fall off
...to keep it off
Is it working?
Maybe.
I feel spring coming...
...both through the warmer weather...
..and through the warmer moods...
I guess we'll find out next winter.
