A harsh breeze is grabbing my attention. A chill is crawling into my bones. The summer has said its goodbye a long time ago, and now the cold is seeping in. Soon she will have crept into all the crevasses of the earth around me. No place is safe from her. She will eventually win.

Another cold is also making her round. She is of a much harsher kind. She doesn’t just involve the body, she goes for the soul. I must guard myself and put on layers of protection.

“Father,

I need your compassion to guard my heart from growing cold.

Teach me to stay soft and warm to the needs of those around me.

Show me my brother’s eyes.

Show me my sister’s face.

Show me their lives and the reality of their pain.

Show me how to love.