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Seeing The Good Side Of Winter

Winter finally arrived with an abundance of snow. The cold and snow are nature’s way of insulating the ground, the soil that will bring a good harvest next planting season. Congestion due to molds may be halted by the insulation. Breathing in cold air can serve us well in small increments. The sights and sounds of winter winds and birds combine forces to cleanse and to bring smiles to those who gaze at feeders.

Over time, I’ve accumulated a huge burn pile consisting of old lumber, tree trimmings, broken pallets and weeds. In the past, I’d fire up that baby and feel satisfied upon its destruction. This year, I was overcome by the realization that birds and small animals probably nest in the hovels of the pile. Though unseen, the message clearly dissuaded me from burning the pile. Lots of birds have arrived at the bird feeder. I like to believe that some are indeed nesting in the burn pile.

On this snowy day, I snow blowed and was asked to go to a local store a few miles away. I enjoyed a slow sojourn on a snow-packed road. The beauty fills me with calm. On the return home I suddenly got engulfed in a major league white-out. My calm was challenged. I lost sight of the road. I stopped and futilely attempted to continue my short journey home.

I felt a loss of control as my vehicle ever-so-slowly found a ditch. Attempts to free the vehicle by shoveling snow was for naught. I left my cellphone phone at home. With a now-clear view of my station I walked to a friend’s business. The walk felt great on my body. My tension was lifting. My friends greeted me with a smile. They, interestingly, had noticed the white-out. I asked to use a telephone to call for road-side assistance. The father suggested that his adult son and me with his tractor, could get the vehicle out. I gave the overture a moment’s thought and took them up on their offer. We rode in the cab to my vehicle. A quick plan was set and minutes later, my vehicle was freed from its prison ditch.

An offering of money was deflected by a very simple and spiritually oriented statement, ”No thanks, I know you’ll be there for us.” A handshake and a smile of gratitude fueled my return home. Yes, this unexpected experience was a ”song of joy.”

I believe this choice experience was a gift and a message that love for others can heal the spirit, heal emotions and mental disarray. I’ve given to others in similar circumstances. This was a gift in return. This gift fills me with the joy to give and continue to be of service to others. Have you, the readers, had a similar experience? How was the experience?

One doesn’t have to be of service to others in a professional role. Each day provides endless and infinite possibilities and opportunities to help others and to receive another’s warm gift of love.

Let there peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Thank you.

Marshall Greenstein holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and is a licensed marriage and family counselor and a licensed mental health counselor in New York state. He has regular office hours at Hutton and Greenstein Counseling Services, 501 E. Third St., Suite 2B, Jamestown, 484-7756. For more information or to suggest topics, email editorial@post-journal.com.

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