With the wind chill at minus four and a scattering of snow on the ground, I believe that I can say that January has finally found us here in the near corner of Kansas. I suppose it safe to speculate that no fruit trees will be budding out today and that any that were about to will probably hold off on that little project for a while.

Other than holding a bit closer to the barn than usual, taking to the leeward side of thirty-miles-an-hour wind, the horses go about their usual business of the day, meaning mostly that they finished their feed and are now eating their hay and doing other horse-like things. Jack, the black Tennessee Walker, is sporting a white jacket about his back and withers, evidence that horses do not always take advantage of the shelter offered them.

Another trait they share with their owners, neighbors and other occupants of the world.

Some days, we seem to have no choice but to walk into the wind, take its harsh sendings, and bear up as best we can. Other times, it seems like nothing more than sheer foolishness that guides the choices that take us into the most bitter realms of this world’s darkest pains.

May the wisdom that is from above, that is pure and peaceable and seeks the good that endures, guide you in those choices today.

H. Arnett
1/12/12