Shivers and Gratitude

Tea: Keemun Concerto

Music: The Hush Sound, "Wine Red"

Time: Night.

It's cold outside. Cold as in the single digits, when wind chill is figured in (and low double digits otherwise). Inside, it's not exactly balmy.

I'm going to wear layers when I sleep tonight. I might even break out a hoodie. Socks are already on the definite list. My foot hurts, and cold doesn't help.

But you know what? I still have it pretty darned good, compared to a lot of people in this city tonight.

My thermostat works. I could turn it up to 80something if I wanted, although I'd get yelled at and I'd have to turn it back down after a couple of minutes. I can lift a faucet handle, fill the electric teakettle, hit a switch and get more hot water. I can make soup. I have blankets.

I think of the people who can't, who don't ... and I shiver, and not from the temperature.

So here's a prayer for the cold and hungry, for nourishment and warmth. And here's a postscript: Let me never take those for granted.