This winter brought us an actual blizzard. The drifts stacked up and plugged our road. The county and state road crews couldn’t keep even the highways open and they closed HWY 2 at the top of Pine Canyon. It only lasted a day. It took another day to dig out enough to get to the highway.
Two days, not much time, but for me it was fun. I enjoyed seeing another blizzard. Yes, I know, I’m probably one of the few. We spent much of the morning reading to the kids and otherwise just being together. Now, I’m looking forward to spring. I’m excited to get back outside, planning for garden and starting plants, fixing up the chicken pen and getting new chicks.
Snowed In – spiritually
In some ways, I feel like I’ve been snowed in in my life the last few years. I’ve struggled with extreme fatigue, my mind has been foggy and my body just hasn’t wanted to function probably. It has taken extra effort to just force my mind to think and function enough just to handle one day. Planning for anything was a major undertaking. Even figuring out what I needed to pick up for groceries was almost impossible. I love having my twins (twins are the coolest), but the toll it took on my body has been hard to accept. As my body is healing, I feel like I’m coming to spring. I’m excited about what’s coming instead of just trying to survive.
The blizzard made me think about my response to the last few years. It hasn’t been very good. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances. Instead of being joyful and giving thanks, I spent a lot of time grumbling and frustrated because of what I couldn’t do. I will admit I did a lot of praying, but it was more along the lines of “Lord, help me get across the room” because I didn’t have the strength or energy to do it. I honestly tried to be thankful and at times I succeeded, but my focus kept returning to the same old round of “I can’t.”
Seasons
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. God sends us seasons in our lives. The summer growth phase is always exciting. We revel in the changes and gathering in new experiences. But there are seasons for a reason. We need the winter, too. Winter gives us time for rest. It allows time for our hearts and minds to catch up and solidify the lessons we have learned. Be joyful when winter arrives and enjoy the rest (even when it is forced upon us). Be thankful God plans for our spiritual rest as well as physical rest.
Who’s ready for spring? or maybe you’re entering winter. Whatever your season Give thanks in all circumstances. And now for what might be my favorite verse right now.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.
Song of Songs 2:12
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