The Benefits of Snow

 If one were to follow a county road in northern Wisconsin out from the slushy, grey city, and to an old farmstead surrounded by forest and fresh snow, you may find me, small against the backdrop of one-hundred year-old trees, dressed like an eskimo, and breathing in the solitude of a winter moment.

One must first be willing to venture out from the cozy heat, don tall, waterproof boots, then traipse through untouched snow, never knowing if the next step will be a couple inches deep, or a couple feet.

With the onslaught of an active snowfall also comes a reverent silence from nature.

Like a mother placing a blanket on her baby, shushing her to sleep, a heavy snowfall blankets the earth, reminding us that winter is a time for rest.

There was a time in history when people followed the natural rhythms of the seasons. 

The darkness of winter meant quiet evenings by firelight and early bedtimes.

Since the invention of electricity, and the acceptance of it into our homes, we now over-stimulate ourselves with artificial light, tricking our bodies into thinking it's still daytime many hours past dark.

I am thankful it is almost spring, and shifting an hour forward this weekend will return to us our long-awaited evening light. But as I reflect back over this past winter, I can't help but wonder if we push ourselves cruelly when nature intends for us to rest.

I pitched the idea to my family recently that we should consider not taking part in any out of the house evening activities next winter. 

No one jumped at the idea. 

I recommended creating our own cozy family activities that we could enjoy at home instead.

*crickets...

"But what if we tried it for just one winter, like an experiment," I pleaded. 

I'm convinced the benefits would be plentiful!

We would feel calmer and more stable mentally and emotionally.

We would be healthier as a result of getting more sleep and staying out of the germ-filled public.

It would be safer for us, not having to drive through ice and snow in the dark.

Then, after our restorative winter at home, we would be ready to emerge in the spring invigorated and with fresh spirits. 

Nature sets the example for us in this.

Did you know snow holds many benefits for the earth, preparing it for spring?

Some farmers call snow "the poor man's fertilizer."

Snow contains plant-absorbable nitrogen and sulfur, moisturizing the earth.

When winter releases a whole season's worth of snow, the nutrient-rich blanket gently percolates through the soil, watering it completely, so our gardens can emerge invigorated and with fresh spirits.

"For as the rain and snow come down from heaven,

And do not return without watering the earth

Making it bear and sprout,

And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:10-11

There probably aren't very many weeks of winter weather left, but as long as we're living in a snow globe, I will marvel at the creative hand of God and the renewing benefits of snow.

❆  ❄  ❆  ❄  ❆

~ Courtney