In a time where freezing, jaw clenching, chill to the bone weather seems to be the norm, we fixate on an increase in temperature, but warmth is so much more than just a number.
Warmth can be in routine. Warmth is the action of brewing my daily cup of Lady Grey with honey, wrapping my hands around my homemade mug, waiting patiently to take a sip so as not to scald my tastebuds. Warmth is being greeted by a friend from across the chapel lawn, having your name emphatically shouted loud for all to hear. Warmth is when we sing the doxology at the end of chapel, a joining of voices belonging to bodies that yearn for the Lord’s will in their life. Warmth is baking a large batch of cookies when I'm stressed and sharing them, recentering my focus on what brings joy and sharing that joy with others, because there is no way I can eat 24 cookies all alone. Warmth is having the girls over for dinner and mocktails for game night, mirth reverberating from the walls, because it wouldn't be girl’s night without lots of giggles.
Warmth is in small moments I least expect it. Warmth is a flower brought to me by my boyfriend after he went on a run, which he picked because he thought of me when he saw it. Warmth is in a hug that I didn’t know I needed from my best friend. Warmth is a friend that included me in their prayers on a given day because they know I have big things happening in life. Warmth is when someone knocks on my door for a surprise visit, and when I open it, there’s a small snowman smiling up at me. Warmth is when a prospective student wrote me a letter thanking me for helping them make Covenant their top school when they visited months ago. Warmth is a phone call from friends you haven’t heard from since graduating high school because they saw something in a store that reminded them of the bond you had back then, and a long overdue catch up feels important.
Warmth is in creation. Warmth is the way the sun paints the clouds in pink, purple, and orange even though it has been hidden all day, reminding you of what a great God we have. Warmth is the trees that slowly gain their leaves back after months of nakedness, a sign that life is renewed after a time. Warmth is even in the pollen that makes your nose stuffy in springtime, because winter is now over and you now have a front row seat to growth of all kinds.
Limiting warmth to temperature closes us off to the ways God blesses our lives in the routines, relationships, and world He’s given us. Some of us have been basking in warmth for decades for never giving much thought to its source. It may be time for a shift in perspective as we walk through these winter days on the mountain.