Over the last few days almost all conversations begin with some comments about the cold. Minnesota has been held in the grip of subzero temperatures for the last two days with some frightening wind chills. When I speak with family in other parts of the country they are dumbfounded that we leave the house at all, that we don't take a cue from our animal relatives who hibernate. When I tell them that children go to school, people go to work, some people continue to exercise outside, they basically think the cold must have numbed us to stupidity.

Yesterday in something I read a person was quoted as saying "Cold weather is the great equalizer". At first I took that statement at face value and then my mind began to be nagged by it. Cold weather can be seen as a great equalizer if you know you can go home and turn the heat on. Cold weather can be the great equalizer if you have a home to go to at all, if you are not destined to spend your day walking the streets until the shelters open up. Cold weather is a great equalizer if you have used your last few dollars to buy infant formula and you have turned the heat off so you won't be delinquent in your payments.Winter days are harsh for those without resources, those who live on the margins, those who are just down on their luck at an unfortunate time in our country's history.

There are many gifts of winter…snow, the beauty of brilliant blue skies and golden sunsets, the miracle of a snowflake, the comfort of a warm fire, the smell of hot cocoa, the gleaming red cheeks of a child who has played outside. As a person who lives a privileged life I name these with gratitude and, hopefully, some humility for I know they are not the gifts those less fortunate enjoy.

On Monday as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, the new first family has invited the nation to be in service in our communities. Folks I know are rallying to do a myriad of things that will connect them with those who have been pushed to the margins by economic, social, educational and racial imbalance. It is an opportunity to look beyond our own comfort zones and participate in the true equalizers…..compassion, empathy, kindness, humility,love, faith, peace.

Here in Minnesota we will undoubtedly reach out with gloved hands. But it is my prayer that we will also do so with hearts filled with warmth and hope for building communities that sustain all the people regardless of wealth or status. As people of faith we are, after all, only following the example of Jesus.

"I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me." Matthew 25:37-40 The Message

Blessings on your weekend……………..