Maine Season: A White Christmas

Maine has snow now. I love the first snow, and who doesn't want a white Christmas (that is, if you live in a place that gets snow in December)? I took a walk in the falling snow with my dog, who loves the snow, and I snapped photos of the scenes around me. In a few weeks, I'll be tired of shoveling, the cold, and cleaning the floors from the boots and dog leaving snow and mud puddles everywhere, but the first snow is exciting, refreshing, and romantic. Winter in Maine, though, can be anything but romantic at times with the incessant shoveling, slipping on ice, driving on icy roads, and heating and plowing bills. Its the time of year when food banks and many advocates remind us that there are people who have to choose between heat or groceries. (Ugh!) This is also a season that seems to go on forever in Maine. April, when spring should be fully in bloom, can sometimes have a wintry Nor'easter. There are winter seasons in life as well, when someone you love is sick, your job is hard or your career dreams are on hold, or life just feel blah for whatever reason. This is the time to find what is still good about the season. 

I, too, am experiencing some anxieties in the season of life I'm in, just as many people don't enjoy winter or worry how they are going to get through another one. So during the snowstorm, I decided to gear up and go out in it. I am also trying to face my anxious situations in life head on with prayer (and by asking for prayer) and with a hopeful attitude. I am also trying to communicate my anxieties to the people who may be able to help me sort things out during the changes at hand. I am trying to look for the unexpected blessings and opportunities as well. On my walk this weekend, I found many things to revel in. These pics show some of what I found. I hope that whatever season of life you are in, you can find something to rejoice in, be thankful for, or just enjoy, no matter how simple it seems. Remember there is beauty in every season.