February – everyone’s least favourite month?

Ah, February—the shortest month of the year, yet it somehow feels twice as long! Or at least it does to me. Maybe it’s the endless grey skies or the fact that it’s just a stop gap between Christmas and spring. I’ve confessed in previous magazines my dislike of winter. And this year’s rain, snow and gales have reinforced my prejudices!
But at least February gives us Valentine’s Day, the annual test of how well we remember our loved one’s chocolate or flower preferences. Miss that, and Lent might start early for you!
Speaking of Lent, February often sneaks in with a reminder that Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner. Pancakes, anyone? Yes, and with honey!
Though the real challenge isn’t tossing pancakes – it’s flipping the calendar to remember Ash Wednesday follows right after. More about Lent in next month’s magazine.
But even in its brevity, February teaches us patience and hope. Spring is coming, Lent is approaching, and God’s love (unlike February) lasts forever!
Happy February, everyone. Roll on spring!
Revd Douglas Black