As we recall the particular beauty of winter and its importance in the cycle of seasons, I am reminded of our own life cycle and the importance of winter in that process.

I have read several times over an important little book called "Let Evening Come" by Mary C. Morrison, where the value of each season in the aging process is acknowledged and valued. She speaks of some of the sources of strength and dignity and humor that can help us grow into and through all the seasons of our life journey more gracefully and peacefully.

"Old age is not for the fainthearted, and anyone who watches it closely and with a sympathetic eye can sometimes be lost in admiration for the aging and their gallantry. Where does this gallantry come from? How are we going to find it in ourselves as we need it?" Mary Morrison asks....and answers.

Let Evening Come is neither determinedly bright and cheerful nor is it dark and gloomy. The author emphasizes the importance of remembering as we age that "we have had our world in our time" and must accept the loss of a position of control, although we may be called on to serve as elders or mentors. The book is full of beauty and balance and wisdom.

LET EVENING COME

Let the light of late afternoon
shine through the chinks in the barn.
as the sun goes down,
Let evening come.

Let the fox go back to its den,
let the wind die down,
let the shed go dark inside,
Let evening come.

Let the cricket take up chafing,
as a woman takes up her needles,
and her yarn.
Let evening come.

To the bottle in the ditch,
to the scoop in the oats,
to the air in the lung,
Let evening come.

Let it come, as it will,
and don't be afraid.
God does not leave us comfortless.
Let evening come.

Jane Kenyon