Turning Gray to Sunny Skies

Why does February seem like the longest month, when it is the shortest?  Could the lingering of gray skies and frigid temperatures contribute to the interminably show passage of time from February 1 to 27 or 28?  No matter what the groundhog predicts, winter usually lingers for six long weeks after his sneak peak outside his burrow in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

http://Bill'sblogs.woodtv.com

I don't know about you, but a trip south--far south--seems like a good idea at this time of year.  Alas, no reservations have been made, so I will have to make my own sunshine. 

http://mrmen.wikia.com

Here are five simple suggestions for chasing away winter's chill:  

1.  Write and send lots of Valentine greetings.  Making other people happy is a sure cure for depression. When I was in grade school, my mother helped me make the same valentines each year for everyone in my class. Supplies included:  lace doilies, ribbon, and sticks of cinnamon-flavored gum. (These are easy enough for preschool children to make.)

2.  Begin each day with a thanksgiving breakfast. Make a habit of praising the Lord with your first sip of coffee.

3.  Wrap up, go outside, and take a walk. Even if the sky is cloud-covered, the daylight will lift your spirits.

4.  Think happy thoughts.  No, this isn't just for Pollyanna.  It is biblical.  See the verse inscribed on the poster?

The Catholic Faith Education Society makes wonderful posters illustrating Scripture.

5.  End your day by praying for others, thanking the Lord for his faithful goodness, and turning your anxieties over to him who is loving, powerful, and in control of all things.

The Prayer--artist unknown

These suggestions for chasing away the cold, because they are biblical, are sure-fire!