Winter Mercies

We received a near record-breaking snowfall this past weekend here in Toronto. I spent over two hours Saturday night and Sunday morning shoveling more than 50cm (almost 20inches) of snow to clear a path on our walkway and driveway, and to dig out my car while I could still see it. Despite my efforts on the driveway, we only made it about 10 feet outside of our garage on Sunday morning before our car got stuck. The sound of tires spinning in the snow was a common sound that day, as was the grunting of frustrated drivers trying to push their cars out. Thankfully, I didn't have to push too much as we were saved by a friendly neighbor with a handy snow-blower. Within a few minutes we were out on the road and on our way to church.

I'm no different than the next guy when it comes to complaining about winter. I too don't care very much for the dangerous road conditions, the extra-long commutes to/from work, the back-aching shoveling, the bone-chilling temperatures, and the salt-stained/damaged shoes and pants. I sigh and lament with everyone else when a winter-storm warning is broadcasted on the radio. Yet, despite all of our complaints, I suspect that some of us are bluffing - that underneath it all many of us are secretly enjoying the season.

I'm thinking of more than the enjoyment of freshly fallen snow covering the earth like a clean fluffy white blanket on a sunny winter's morning, or the cool crisp air that invigorates and refreshes the lungs - but the joy of winter that can be found at its bleakest and harshest moments. I've noticed for example, that people generally seem friendliest when the weather is the most unbearable - when the air is bitter cold and when long-johns don't make much difference. At bus stops people can actually be found talking with one another. Granted, most of the conversation is usually spoken in a hushed reproachful tone muffled through frosty scarves, and all about one subject - the cold - but at least people are talking. Walk into any coffeeshop and you can immediately start a conversation with just a few words: "It's freezing out there!" If your car gets stuck in the snow, the sound of your spinning tires will likely attract the nearest bystander with an offer to help push. I've met at least four people from my neighbourhood this way.

In winter we all have a common enemy so powerful that most of our priorities are rearranged. Our normal preoccupations are temporarily put aside for us to focus on a bigger issue. Our real opponent is outside. It is us humans huddled together against Old-Man Winter. Even newscasters talk about the weather first before going to other "lesser" news items, like world politics and international conflict.

In addition to our new-found solidarity, I also think we come to a new sense of our humanity. In winter, we find ourselves at the mercy of the elements. No longer can we move about with impunity - doing what we want, when we want. Our unbridled freedoms, of which we have become so accustomed to during the summer months, are reigned in drastically with the first winter storm. We are forced to slow down, and sometimes we are stopped dead in our tracks. With all of our technological and sociological "advances", it is easy not to think of ourselves at the mercy of anything anymore. However, when the temperature outside drops below negative 20 C, and the moisture in your nostrils start to crystallize, you quickly realize that you are not in control, and you come to know something about mercy - whether it be a free hot chocolate given to you at a cafe you've ducked into for shelter, or a warm bus that makes it to your stop on-time.

In short, winter brings us all down to earth in our common struggle to find a way in the cold. It offers us a reminder of our place in this world - that we are not as invincible as we sometimes think we are, and that we are all dependent on the mercies of each other and on the God who gives us life.

Comments

[Ethan]

I found Mr. Ted Chan's blog... And I agree with you. Despite winter being long, cold and arduous, people are generally more friendly during then. Snow and cold becomes our scapegoats and city-dwellers share common hatred for the weather. Good observation! I fully agree!

[Rudy Amid]

Ah snow.  I miss it.  But I'll live without it.