From Gary... Winter is....

Winter is:

Cold

Gloomy

Snowy

Harsh

Too quiet

Lonely

Dangeous

And more....

Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 
  2 a time to be born,
and a time to die;
a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
  3 a time to kill,
and a time to heal;
a time to break down,
and a time to build up;
  4 a time to weep,
and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn,
and a time to dance;
  5 a time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
  6 a time to seek,
and a time to lose;
a time to keep,
and a time to cast away;
  7 a time to tear,
and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
  8 a time to love,
and a time to hate;
a time for war,
and a time for peace.

Winter is season ordained of God; a time of HIS own planning. It causes one to reflection on life, as adversity often does.  Yet, in this coldest time of year there is hope; hope that "this too shall pass" and Spring will arrive with all its beauty of rebirth.  However, in this season of whiteness, there is comfort as well, for the world seems to rest- and rest is a good thing!!!  Winter is also a type- that is, it represents a stage in our lives.  We were born in the beginnings of our "Spring", had our "growing up" phase in Spring and Summer, our later adulthood in "Fall" and enter "Winter" in our old age. But, there will be another Spring- a better one, a spiritual one with a spiritual existence that will never end!!! So, bring on Winter and let Spring come when it may!!!!

PS. Thanks to brother Walter Vogt, for his picture of Buttermilk Falls in Melrose N.Y.!!!!!