by Sandra Mullins Bost
I love C. S. Lewis. I was introduced to him by my 3rd grade teacher. She read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to our class. I imagined myself as Lucy. I still do.
I am stuck on that scene in Prince Caspian where the Pevensie children are trying to get to the prince. It’s the middle of the night. Lucy senses something stirring in the forest. She investigates and sees Aslan. He motions for her to come to him, but she hesitates. Seeking approval, she tells the others, but they don’t believe her. She second guesses herself and ignores Aslan.
After a treacherous journey (that could have been avoided if Lucy had followed Aslan), they all encounter him again–and he makes everything right.
But I digress.
Even though this icy weather and the state of our nation have me thinking about Narnia and the curse of the White Witch herself, that’s not what I wanted to write about.
I did, however, see a quote by Clive Staples Lewis this week while scrolling the happier parts of social media. It said:
“Everyone begins as a child by liking Weather. You learn the art of disliking it as you grow up. Haven’t you ever noticed it on a snowy day? The grown-ups are all going about with long faces, but look at the children—and the dogs? They know what snow’s made for.”
That made me think about growing up and about seasons–again. (You may remember I wrote about seasons in Ecclesiastes 3 the first week of January.)
My daddy is getting married! He has fallen in love with a precious woman that he hopes to spend the rest of his life with. She is beautiful and kind. Strong and no-nonsense. (I love that!) They have lots of things in common. I might have guessed she would be the one the day she pulled me aside after he sang at church and said, “Your Daddy’s a gem.”
They have made plans to spend their days (and maybe my inheritance) traveling and living out Ecclesiastes 3:13 as they “eat and drink and see and enjoy the good of all [their] labor—it is the gift of God” (AMP). And, I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Since the (many) pictures of their lunch dates and adventures have appeared on social media, friends have messaged to check on me. It’s been really sweet, because I have had lots of opportunities to think about the gift of this season.
Before Momma went to Heaven, she did one of the kindest, most loving things a spouse can do for another. Out of her deep love for my daddy, she gave him her blessing to marry again someday, if the opportunity ever arose.
To be clear, I don’t think that a widow or widower needs permission to remarry. But as I’ve watched my daddy navigate these lonely waters, I’ve come to see how tender–and how freeing–that gift truly was. And, because I knew that was her heart, I’ve been able to encourage Daddy to move through his grief in whatever way he needed, without hesitation or worry. It has been a comfort to both of us.
And can we talk about the sweetness of watching your parent fall in love? Seeing him come alive with what must feel like a second chance has been such a treasure. There’s something tender and sacred about witnessing joy return to someone who thought that chapter of life had already closed.
There are little signs–quiet, unmistakable signs–that let you know love might be blooming again, even in the twilight of life. Their smile changes. It’s softer, brighter–almost like you’re seeing a younger version of them peek through. They become more hopeful as their grief softens. Not erased, not forgotten–just wrapped in new light. They want to share things. A favorite restaurant, a hobby, a story–love brings out the desire to invite someone into their world.
And in all of it, they create a new world–a new beginning. A beautiful place where Hope floats on the idea that life truly is a beautiful Gift of God. And I am here for it. All. Of. It.
Seasons change. Hearts heal. Joy returns in ways we don’t expect. And whether we’re in the first chapter or the twilight of life, God keeps giving us new mercies, new stories, new reasons to lift our faces toward Him.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is “a time for every purpose under Heaven (NKJV),” and that the simple joys of eating at Oishi, drinking mushroom coffee, falling in love, and playing in the snow are gifts from the hand of a generous God. C.S. Lewis was right–children (and dogs) know what snow is made for. They don’t overthink the moment; they delight in it.
So wherever you find yourself today–waiting, grieving, celebrating, or simply watching ice melt off the branches–may you receive this season with that same childlike wonder. May you recognize your life, in every chapter, as a sacred gift from the God who loves you.
Lean into it.
Give thanks for it.
Live it fully.
Because this moment–this very day–is God’s good gift to you. A real gem.
