reflection for the east lothian courier, 20 jan 2022

Together with colleagues from across East Lothian, Anikó takes regular turns in offering a reflection in the East Lothian Courier. Here is this week's piece:

January is not exactly my favourite time of year. The Christmas lights and sparkle have come down, the days are still dark and often cold and wet, and it is too early for spring to arrive. So what to do to keep us going until the first signs of warmer weather arrive, the yellow and purple tips of crocuses, the first green buds of new leaves, the birds starting to build their nests? 

Well, I try to appreciate the cold season, too: long dark evenings can make for a cosy and relaxed time; there are some spectacular sunrises and sunsets on the cold clear days, and have you seen the night sky recently, with the brilliance of the stars? Each day has something beautiful to offer – and often, we don’t take the time or make the effort to appreciate it. So, I’m trying to not forget, and to make a point each day to find something that brings a smile to my face, something that cheers me up and makes me feel grateful. And I also try to find something each day that I’m looking forward to, something that fills me with hope or at least with positive anticipation. In light of the bleakness of much a January day, and as we’re nearing the two-year mark of living with covid with as yet no end in sight to anxiety and isolation and the need for restricted living, this can be a beacon to hold on to: and to move from day to day with a bit more positivity, a bit more hope, appreciating the joy and the beauty that we can find, if we but look. 

One of the best-known Bible passages, Paul’s first Letter to the early church in Corinth, names faith, hope and love as principles that can help us in life. Faith: a belief in the good, and that we are not walking alone through the wilderness. Hope: a confidence that things will get better. And love: kindness and compassion for each other, as we all face our own challenges, and as we all can help each other. Holding on to them can help us even through bleak January days. And I’m happy to report that the blackbirds in our garden seem to already have begun their nesting projects, so spring is definitely on its way.