Friends of Montview,

I just returned from a whirlwind travel to NYC....Yes we saw The Lion King, the Book of Mormon, A Delicate Balance, The MOMA's exhibit of Matisse's cutouts, The MET, St John the Divine , Walking the Highline.....

It was an exciting time to experience the wonder and magic the city holds as well as the intensity of a huge city of strangers. I took a carriage ride with friends around Central Park on a warm November day and delighted in the suns warmth on my face. And then I landed in Denver last night to sub zero temperatures and snow. Driving home on black ice, I was jolted into the reminder of winter!

We have had such an amazing Fall filled with so many rich days of warmth and delight. I notice my resistance to going cold! I feel this is odd and I truly love winter in all its rich gifts as well.

I wondered to myself was I ready for winter? And I noticed a duality I hold in my experience of this particular season. Winter is a season that all of nature reminds us to slow down (particularly in our driving) , to put on more layers of clothing, and take exquisite care of ourselves (rest, health, and prevention of pesky colds and flus). It's also a time of great activity to to be out skiing, breathing the briskness in the air, and all the various reasons we love outdoors in CO in the winter. Some animals remind us of the wisdom of allowing rest, reflection, hibernation, and gestation of our lives, our ideas , and our activities until the spring season of emergence. It is the time we lean into the holidays and holy days with family and friends. Lots of parties and socializing and for some (like our church staff :) ) the busiest time of the year. Do you feel the push- pull I am trying to describe?

I love this time of the year with so much to experience and explore and celebrate and I equally believe there is rich learning in natures wisdom of our leaning into the darkness and slowing ourselves down as to not miss the importance of each moment, each interaction. How to balance these seemingly contrasts? I believe the answer is reflected in the birth of the Christ child we celebrate. The child's birth was incredibly simple yet ever so poignant.

The temptation to make our activities and holidays bigger and better is ever present and yet, if we trust in the exquisite wisdom, that it is not the accoutrements of the celebrations; but being present with those we love, the pressures and activity are removed. The simplicity creates an openness to what is among those we love. This is my intention going into this winter season, easeful simplicity. Will you join me? Maybe this can be a winter we feel delight and wonder and rest and contemplation all mingling in our lives.

Happy Winter
Dee