January 16, 2009
-
Something about the cold
Nights have been below zero. Days haven’t risen much higher than 8 degrees. It is snug and warm inside thanks to the efforts of my men. Matthew has banked the house with copious amounts of snow pushed up with the Kubota. We used to tease him that the tractor was permantly attached to his bottom he likes running it so much. Now I am thankful for his skill gained from so many hours in the seat of that tractor. He braves the cold to take round bales to the animals and to break the ice on the creek to make sure that they have plenty of water. There is wood piled up in the basement and the garage aplenty to get us through until it warms up again. Again, Matthew braves the cold to bring wagon loads of wood inside to fill the woodbox next to the stove in the diningroom. Mary-Kate dutifully goes down into the basement and puts wood into the furnace and fills the stove when it is in need. It seems as though this cold makes their hunger even greater.
It all reminds me of a song that we sang a few years ago with the Chorale, In the Bleak Mid-Winter. But somehow this midwinter doesn’t seem bleak but more comforting. I look around me at the cooperation of my older children. They work together to keep our home running in the face of my inability and their father’s being away so much. There is no complaint, no comment. They merely shoulder the responsibility as the adults that they have become should. And there is a certain comfort in that. Their father knows that after a 14 hour day of work he will come home to a well run home, warm and cozy and welcoming. A tribute to his example and his raising of them. A tribute to his faith in the God that guides his life and work.
Comments (18)
Sweet post.
This is awesome. It reminds me not to complain about the small chores I have at home and to be willing to serve my family without complaint. ~ L
Glad that you are staying warm, and your family is so helpful.
Today (Saturday) is your birthday, right?
May God bless you with many, many more!
@JMHardens060703 - You are correct. 47 years ago today my mom gave birth to me and then my uncle had to call my father in Johnson City NY to tell him that he had his long waited for daughter. My dad drove through a snowstorm to be by my mother’s side and to see me for the first time.
I am not sure of where you live, but it sounds heavenly!
@cereneone - You like the cold?
@perelandra30 - Yes I do. But you make it sound all “old time like’ in your post!
@cereneone - It is definitely “old time like” around here.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May God give you joy, joy, and more joy, this year and always!
(((Birthday? what birthday? I’d give ya a big ‘ol hug any day of the year! :-p)))
Happy Birthday. Wish you many many more.
Happy B’Day. I knew there was a birthday coming up sometime this year.
Happy Birthday!!! Hope you are up and around soon! I’m not a huge fan of the cold.
@P_Obrien - Is this happy birthday late for my 46th or on time for my 47th? Thank you to the best 23 year old son a mother could have.
@perelandra30 - Man! I thought I was just in time for your 36th. Are you sure you’re that old?
happy birthday!!
Praise God for that wonderous gift of a warmth and family that works together. We are snowed in today, so no church. sigh. Happy belated birthday!
Heather