January 11 – Winter Nightscape

Deep winter in the Northland reveals breathtaking scenes; the colder it gets, the more beauty seems to emerge. On a freezing mid-January evening, the landscape settles into deep blues, and wind-sculpted snowdrifts become visible under the night sky.

The cold, clear air slaps you in the face and demands attention. For a brief moment, you’re fully present—standing inside a piece of temporary art shaped by wind, ice, and light.

It’s hard to believe that daylight will be noticeably longer in just a few weeks. While thoughts of spring may already be on retailers’ minds, winter reminds us that time moves forward whether we rush it or not. The gift is learning to enjoy today for what it is.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.” — Isaiah 55:10

There are no guarantees for tomorrow. Count your blessings, stand still for a moment, and let today matter.