"Get Me Through December..."

It's so cold and windy right now that it physically hurts to be outside. Winter is the most miserable part of the year. I know, I know, I just wrote about how beautiful the snow is. And it is beautiful. But now the snow is gone, and we're left with the bitter cold and nothing pretty to look at! Except maybe our feet because it's the wind is too strong to lift our heads.

Every year, I complain about the winter. And February is most definitely the worst month of all. It's the shortest for a reason, my friends. And in my opinion, it's not short enough.

I question the purpose of winter sometimes in the same way that I question the purpose of pain in my life.

Because my grandfather got so sick and almost died, I cherish every moment with him. I pay close attention to every word he says. Every time I see him, I'm so full of gratitude and joy. I believe that I went through that pain in order to appreciate him more greatly and to cherish all the moments left.

I once had a bad boyfriend. Who hasn't? But after having that experience, I promised myself never again to settle for less and never again to beg for affection. Because I went through that pain, it's easier to recognize when I'm in an unhealthy, unsatisfying situation. And therefore, it's easier to get out fast and avoid any pain.

And last fall, I had a really rough time with friends. Well, last year really. I lost some old friends. One of them I would have bet money against ever losing. It was such a horribly painful and depressing time of my life. But this morning on my Metro ride to work, I started thinking about all the fun new friends I have. And how happy I am that I met them all.

So even the sting of winter wind has a purpose. To make us better appreciate spring, to remind us to bundle up and protect against cold and to clear a path for the sunny warmth that's on its way.

Alison Krauss...

How pale is the sky that brings forth the rain
As the changing of seasons prepares me again
For the long bitter nights and the wild winter's day
My heart has grown cold my love stored away
My heart has grown cold my love stored away

I've been to the mountain left my tracks in the snow
Where souls have been lost and the walking wounded go
I've taken the pain no girl should endure
Faith can move mountains of that I am sure
But faith can move mountains of that I am sure

Just get me through December
A promise I'll remember
Get me through December
So I can start again

No divine purpose brings freedom from sin
And peace is a gift that must come from within
I've looked for the love that will bring me to rest
Feeding this hunger beating strong in my chest
Feeding this hunger beating strong in my chest

Get me through December
A promise I'll remember
Get me through December
So I can start again