I grew up in the North, where snow covered the ground for almost half the year. Growing up I skied, skated, and embraced winter like a true northerner. But as a senior now, winter joy seems lost. These days? Winter and I have a more… respectful relationship.
But grandkids — well, they have a way of making even cold seasons beautiful. This story happened ten years ago, when my granddaughter was eight.
One winter day she surprised me by announcing that winter was now her favorite season. Summer had always been her top pick, so of course I asked why.
She launched into a full explanation of every season — complete with emotions to match. Through her big imagination and thoughtful little heart, she gave each season a feeling.
And whaat about winter? Winter, she said, is JOY.
I smiled politely — but inside I wasn’t convinced.
Like most of us who live in the North, I used to watch weather forecasts like a daily ritual. How much snow is coming? How cold will it get? Just like recently, we had one huge snowstorm with 50 cm falling in one day. Winter felt, and feels, more like something to survive than celebrate. Check the weather for Toronto, Ontario.
But that day, as we walked snowy paths together among the ice sculptures, something shifted.
We played among snow castles she imagined into kingdoms. She was the queen (naturally), and I was her loyal servant. We laughed, slipped, and made memories.
And suddenly I felt it. JOY.
Not because of winter — but because of presence, love and how God was in the moment.
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” — Psalm 16:11
It reminded me how often we rush through seasons — wishing them away — instead of living fully in them. We focus on regrets, discomfort, or what’s next, and miss the blessing right in front of us.
Joy grows when we choose contentment.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” — Romans 15:13
Today that little girl who taught me winter is joy is no longer eight.
Today she turns 18.
Happy Birthday, my sweet girl, Sybella.
Thank you for teaching Grandma a lesson I’ll never forget — that joy isn’t about circumstances, it’s about presence, gratitude, and God’s goodness in every season.
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Let’s walk this journey of faith together — in every season.
I just loved this joy that let you be present to the moment and take a moment to be thankful! I have to close my eyes because I move on so quickly in this digital world and I’m almost never on Facebook, but the gift of the digital has a downside. On some Happy New Years’ cards I sent, since my Christmas cards got delayed I put that I wasn’t going to worry about a loved one dying, but just stop, breathe, close my eyes and pause in some of the moments with them, and trust.
Thanks Lorrie for reading this. Yes, the digital world moves too quickly, but if we pause and reflect on the moment to see the good even in a bad situation, we can experience peace. Restful moments to you and your family. Pirkko