It’s cold outside. I’m talking like -25 C cold.
Brrrrr!
The ground is still covered in a thick blanket of snow. We are still wearing our winter coats, boots, scarves, hats and mittens and I’ve resumed my posture of hibernation.
Sometimes I feel like winter will never end.
Just last week the temperature was rising, it was warm enough outside to ditch the jacket in favor of a vest. The snow was melting away. The promise of spring was just around the corner.
Then we got blasted again. I know- I really shouldn’t be surprised, this happens every year. But sometimes it feels like our weather carries us on such a roller-coaster ride. Although it still feels like we are in the dead of winter, I know that spring will come. It always does. And with it brings the promise of new life.
I find the same thing happens in all areas of my life. Whether it’s with my friendships, my marriage, motherhood, or my walk with God. The seasons are always changing.
Sometimes I find myself in the warmth of summer, where everything is easy and laid back. I soak up all the goodness and ease in that season as I would soak up the sunshine. There is little frustration and little struggle. It is a time to enjoy. A time to rest.
Other times though, I find myself in a winter season. This is when I feel like I’m buried under 10 feet of snow. It’s cold and lonely and I just want to curl up like a bear and fall asleep until springtime. Sure there can be a few ‘chinooks’ in there but for the most part it’s the season that seems to drag on. It’s when I feel the most overwhelmed and frustrated.
But ‘winter’ is also the season I seem to learn the most. I learn about my many weaknesses. I also learn about God’s amazing strength. Whether it’s in my parenting, my marriage or other relationships, it is in the ‘winter’ that I find I most rely on Him.
I am learning to find the beauty in the ‘winter’ seasons of my life, in the same way I can easily find beauty in nature’s winter.
As I look outside today I am in awe of the way that the weather seems to parallel exactly what I am going through right now. I feel as though I have been in a deep winter……but the promise of spring is right at my fingertips, and though I may have to ride through a few more storms before spring is officially here I can feel the season change and for that I am so thankful!
For more Gratituesdays visit Heavenly Homemakers
I love Jesus, my guy Chris + our four. We seek joy. Homeschool. Adventure together. Mess up and start again.
you have written exactly what I am feeling today…. we’re not 25 below, but it’s a rainy and dreary day, and I’m feeling ready to be done… but the promise of spring is right there – and what hope that brings. praying that you have a wonderful week.
That is a beautiful post. I do not miss the cold long winters that I experienced all those years living in Wisconsin. But I do understand what it is like for you. Even though I am here in Sunny California where the temperature today is supposed to reach 61 F and it will be 70 by the weekend, I still feel the same way you do. Maybe I just need to get outside more. I really enjoyed reading your post.
The promise of spring and new beginnings and changes is definitely something to be thankful for. 😀 I saw a couple of flowers just starting to bloom recently and got excited! Out of the brown winter grass which lookds dead comes a beautiful flower.
The weather in SC right now is as high as 83. However, by the end of the week, it will drop down to about 67, which is not too bad.
I am not exactly a big fan of cold weather. I love the weather when it’s not too hot and too cold, but just right.
Blessings to you!!
this post expresses what i feel each winter. i am finally learning to appreciate the winter seasons in my life. but i too eagerly wait for spring.
beautiful post.
you have written exactly what I am feeling today…. we're not 25 below, but it's a rainy and dreary day, and I'm feeling ready to be done… but the promise of spring is right there – and what hope that brings. praying that you have a wonderful week.