After the holiday season, the next few months can seem like an endless dose of blah.
There’s the Christmas high, then the post-Christmas afterglow. Around late January, though, many of us start counting the days until spring. Winter is just not our friend.
Now, if you’re one of those folks who favors colder weather, fuzzy sweaters, and gray, cloudy days—my apologies. This Ozarks gal isn’t a fan of the dreary, bone-chilling stuff. I like it warm! (Not hot—unless I’m at the beach—but upper 70s is my comfort zone.)
Being an Ozarks native, I should be used to everything by now. I’ve seen tornadoes in the winter and snow mid-spring. Extreme temperature shifts are common, as are unexpected weather events. Still, as much as I love the winding hills and hollows here in God’s country, I think I’d adjust real quick to year ’round sand and sunshine.
Since island time isn’t on my radar in the foreseeable future, I try to put the winter months in perspective: To every thing there is a season. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV)
When the cold breath of winter chills me to the core, knowing this season isn’t forever brings some measure of relief. I can relax, knowing this, too, shall pass. It’s temporary.
Seasons come. Seasons go.
As I mature, I better understand the necessity of seasons. Without division points in the year, we’d have no way to discern our growth. Our days would be nonstop same—monotonous and hollow.
Like life, seasons are God’s exclamation point on the scale of opportunity. Seasons allow us to reflect, to organize and plan.
Winter is certainly not my favorite time of year, but I actually set more goals then. I don’t want to remain stationary.
I make lists. I declutter my office. I polish manuscripts and start new stories.
I forge ahead with specific ideas in mind.
Idleness isn’t for me, though don’t get me wrong—downtime and brief respites to recharge and refresh are good. It just helps to have a plan and an idea where I’m headed before and after my breaks.
Though the winter chill may chap my skin and tug at my heart, it also builds stamina and reminds me of what’s to come.
The meshing of temporary with here and now.
The next stage.
Rebirth.
Spring.
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Not in your happy groove? No worries. This, too, will pass.
Consider the winter an opportunity. Why you shouldn’t waste it.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS YOU MAY ENJOY
Seasons, Productivity, and a Word of Encouragement
Finding Time to Write During Your Busy Season
Three Warm Thoughts for Your Weekend
Does the winter slow you down?
What have you learned about seasons?
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Reminder—my February newsletter goes to subscribers next week!
Meanwhile, here’s to spring-like thoughts and a relaxing weekend. *clink*
Until next week, my friend.
Much Love and Many Blessings,
