Winter is winding down before it even wound up....

This has been an extremely mild winter here in Utah. I'm not complaining because the roads have been safe for my husband's commute into the city, but I feel like my children have been cheated out of some fun memories. The one good snow of the year (so far) happened on a Sunday. In our home that's a Holy day to be set aside for more spiritual matters than building snow forts and sledding. Part of me is hoping for another day or two of a really good snow so that my children can create something out of the wonderful white wetness. I think many of us tend to shy away from creating things that seem to melt away. Some will spend hours cooking a masterpiece only for it to be gobbled down in a few short minutes. Others form sand and ice sculptures that only last as long as the elements or spectators allow. What's so different between those who create things that can last several lifetimes, and those who create in the moment for the moment? Whichever way we choose, creating brings growth and development, as we give our creations shape, we define ourselves in some small way. Thinking of children and how fearless they are when they put everything they are and have into something, anything, and then proudly show it to anyone willing to pay attention; I find it's what it takes for all of us to have faith that no matter the reaction of those experiencing our creation, it's what we've learned about ourselves in the process that really matters. As winter slides away and we prepare for spring and new growth, I hope we can reflect on what we've been doing and hope to do to create something that will continue to change us into something better than what we are now.