Think Past Winter
Winter is in full swing here in Georgia. In the next 10 days, the weather app predicts the low temps in the 20’s. For my friends up North, that is “balmy”, but for us here in the South, we consider that really cold. I must confess that winter is not my favorite season – in fact it’s my least favorite season. I do learn some things in winter. There is growth happening that I can’t see even in the dormancy of winter. I’m so thankful for my warm home and my heart hurts for people without a home. This winter season will certainly not last forever. After today, we are 55 days from the first day of spring. We are one third of the way through winter.
Solomon penned a book of songs expressing love on many levels. He is quite the poet for sure. I should “steal” some of his ideas and use his love imagery with my wife. He pens a few words of encouragement to his lover that reminded me that seasons have a definite time period. Check this out….
11 “Look, the winter is past,
and the rains are over and gone.
12 The flowers are springing up,
the season of singing birds has come,
and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.
13 The fig trees are forming young fruit,
and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming.
Rise up, my darling!
Come away with me, my fair one!” (Ecclesiastes 2:11-13 NLT)
I don’t dare want to “wish my life away”, but I’m not a fan of winter. I like one good snow, but I only want it to last one day. I like the crisp cool air, but only in the 30’s. I realize that I should probably move to San Diego for the weather that would suit my self-centered ideas. A strong principle settled in on my heart as I read this passage – In order to get through a tough season of life, think about what things will look like as I begin a new season. Think about the smile on my face and the joy that fills my heart when the flowers start blooming and the leaves start appearing on the trees.
When I walk through dark times, I must remember what the light feels like, because it will shine again upon my face. Being reminded about the joys of other seasons can help me navigate the most challenging time or season of my life.
Pressing On!
Dwayne