Extremes of weather

Like many parts of the UK, the place where I live is blanketed deeply in snow.  Apart from a rich blue sky, everywhere I look is white.  The lane is impassable and, apart from the chatter of birds there is absolute quiet.   There is a sense of majesty, dignity, stillness and peace, and above all timelessness, as if the world has stopped.   No-thing matters.

While the snow and dramatically low temperatures are healing and cleansing, they have been called cruel also.  Wildlife is suffering, and many people have no power, little food and great inconvenience, even sometimes injury or death.  At times like this I try to remember that extremes of temperature are not unusual, that wildlife populations survive and regenerate stronger than ever, that it is an opportunity to appreciate the fully the gifts of food and warmth we often take for granted, and to respect and be part of the power of nature.  Perhaps most importantly, it enables us to see our environment in terms of community, helping clear snow for those neighbours or strangers whose cars are stuck, checking that those who live alone are not in need of help, feeding the birds... please don't forget the birds.