Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK -- For those of us here in Alaska, as for so many others who live where it’s cold and dark at this time of year, the passing of the holidays can often be an invitation to a rather dreary, pessimistic view of things. The post-holiday letdown that many of us experience makes the prospect of four or five more months of cold weather all the more daunting. And, while increasing periods of daylight will soon be noticeable, the night/day ratio that most of us prefer is still some time off. The environmental conditions make everything more difficult, whether from snow accumulations, icy roads, frozen car locks, or any number of other factors that, individually might be minor and manageable, but together become a source of seemingly constant annoyance. Of course, all of this coincides with one of the busiest periods of the year, whether at work, at school, or in our lives at home, which even by itself would be a considerable source of anxiety and stress. It’s no wonder that so many Alaskans, including so many members of the Armed Forces and their families, surrender to depression, despair, substance abuse, and destructive behaviors.
This is why it’s so important for us to find ways to explore the many opportunities for joy and growth that we have here during the winter and to help others to do so as well. One of the wonderful things about living and working in and around Anchorage is the remarkable wealth of winter activities responding to a broad range of interests. Winter sports are what we often consider first—skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, even curling just outside the Government Hill gate. But there are many other enjoyable activities for those of us who might prefer to remain indoors. Like other parts of our State, Southcentral Alaska has attracted a variety of artists, craftspeople, musicians, and other practitioners of culture who are anxious to share their skills with others whose winter could use some brightening up. There are many people here for whom the cold weather and lack of work or shelter becomes a life-or-death issue, and whose needs are met by social and religious organizations that are always in need of helpers who can spread comfort and joy in shelters, soup kitchens, and similar critical activities while experiencing the satisfaction that can come from shared service to and with others. Opportunities for learning and intellectual growth are abundant here, whether through formal academics or more casual reading and discussion groups.
All of these external activities and efforts can only go so far, however, in leading us to hope and happiness, even in the best of times. What is even more important is attention to the interior, spiritual aspect of our lives, taking time to reflect on our relationships with others, our moral values, and our beliefs about the underlying meaning of our existence. Without this, even a person whose life is filled with the most attractive, exciting adventures and opportunities will find them to be superficial and inadequate in the face of the very real challenges and setbacks that we all face. It’s a lifelong process, one that is never fully accomplished in this world, but one that will repeatedly reward those who undertake it. Whether or not we pursue it in the context of an overtly religious faith, it is an essential aspect of being human. During these coming cold and dark months, let us resolve to seek the hope and joy of tending to the external and internal activities that meet our human needs, and of helping others to do so as well.