The Value of Winter

I'm not a big fan of winter. I'm not someone who feels particularly deprived when we don't get snow.

I don't like bundling up to go outside; scraping my car; feeling trapped inside. And then, there's the sun rising later and setting earlier.

But, here's the thing: In order to get to spring, we have to make it through winter.

Even though we're still in early February, I'm already noticing -- and embracing -- spring's distant signs. More sunlight in the morning and afternoon. Birds singing as the sun comes up. A few yellow blossoms on my hedge of winter-blooming jasmine. A friend posting on Facebook about Cadbury Creme Eggs.

We haven't had a bad winter here in Roanoke, Virginia, but it's been a cold one. And I'm ready for it to exit stage left. The groundhog portends an early spring, so be gone with you winter: don't let the screen door hit you on the way out.