Beauty in the Cold

Reflection by Fr. John Hagemann

Lately I have been watching the forecast, noticing the temperatures drop, and talking with others about the shift in weather. One of our monastic candidates, Aaron Karnish, sent me a quote that caught me completely off guard:

“Beauty at low temperatures is still beauty.” – Joseph Brodsky

I will admit, I had to look it up. I googled the quote and the author, and sure enough, he was correct. Aaron, I am impressed.

Aaron’s family owns Yard Market Nursery, so he has always been close to nature. He is often bringing me trees, plants, or flowers for the Abbey and the grounds. It delights him to share what creation offers.

As the temperatures fall and we adjust back to standard time, I like to think we are returning to God’s time. The world slows down a bit. The days shorten. We are invited to notice the little things.

Fall is a season of quiet beauty. The trees at Mount Michael are turning brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange, each one a reminder that God works through change.

Beauty at low temperatures is still beauty.

Take a moment and enjoy it.