Winter is setting in here in the mountains. The trees have dropped their leaves, the grass isnt growing, frost is a regular morning visitor and ice is not too far away. It's almost past remembering that the hills and pastures here were bursting with wild flowers just a few short months ago.

But the lush, verdant summer is only one season, like lusty passion is only on expression in the life of a relationship. Things change, and sometimes the beauty is not immediately apparent.

As we walk along the road the winter colors are muted and unassuming. We cant rely on them to excite us. Instead, we have to give more of ourselves, we have to open and extend ourselves. We have to bring more to the exchange because one half of the partnership the winter landscape doesnt have the energy it once did.

Love is like that. Sometimes our partner doesnt have it to turn us on. Sometimes they dont feel well. Sometimes theyre depressed. Sometimes they just want to be quiet. Theyre muted and withdrawn.

Thats when we have to extend ourselves, our sensitivity, and look for the beauty of the moment. It wont leap out and grab us, but its there. And it doesnt mean theres anything we have to do but be respectful of the whats happening and, like in the winter, open to what it has to offer. It will return the rich gifts of its season and, after a time, will be wild flowers again.