As I feel the warmth of the sun on my face in these last few days, all I can think is the truth that winter always leaves. Everything that my eyes see looks brighter each day. I am not the only one who feels that way. It is so heartwarming to watch the children at school who can’t wait to run into the sun and shed their jackets- literally. They are chattier than usual. There is excitement and expectation in the air. They are free and don’t have a care in the world- all because the days are clearer and brighter and they are less bogged down with extra layers. Although the days are nicer, although it is fairly warm, they aren’t yet “perfect” days, but they are better days than we’ve had for a long time. They are picture-perfect enough for them. Who cares if it isn’t completely warm, right? One ray of sunshine is all it takes to bring smiles to faces and joy to hearts.
I can assure you that at some point, whatever challenge you are living through, it will be a distant memory. This too shall pass is not just a saying. It is reality.
Children teach us so much. My students quickly embrace the moments and what they are experiencing in the now. There is enough evidence for them that there was a shift that has taken place. They are already beginning to say it is summer. They are already beginning to say winter is over. All it took was one sunny day. Children teach us so much. My students quickly embrace the moments and what they are experiencing in the now. There is enough evidence for them that there was a shift that has taken place. They are already beginning to say it is summer. They are already beginning to say winter is over. All it took was one sunny day.
What has your winter season been like? Perhaps it has been one of the most challenging seasons to date that you have had to go through. Maybe the winter has been really cold for you. Not in terms of temperature but experience. Perhaps your heart has gotten cold, and you have lost your sense of belief. Perhaps there have been one too many storms. I had a difficult season that lasted for years. Things got worse before they got better. I wondered when I was going to make it through to the other side. I had to work hard, as some song lyrics state, “to let the sunshine in and face it with a grin.” I kept repeating the phrase “this too shall pass” because I truly believed that I would not be in the season I was in forever. I can assure you that at some point, whatever challenge you are living through, it will be a distant memory. This too shall pass is not just a saying. It is reality.
God keeps His Word and has promised us that “while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22. Seasons and change are God’s plan and idea. To go from one season to another is inevitable because God has made it that way. Daniel 2:21 reminds us that “he changes times and seasons…” While we don’t know why God makes some longer than others, we do know that He is the one who will bring about the change. It is in His nature and purpose to change the season for you and His glory.Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11 is an encouraging passage of scripture that reminds us that our life or circumstance is no exception to the rule. “To everything there is a season… God makes all things beautiful in his time.” Every situation we face and experience has a date to change.
May one day of sunshine, one ray of brightness, one position of warmth, as we stand in the sun, even for a moment, is enough to remind us that God is moving. May we be like the children and enjoy the moment where we can run and play and release what weighs us down in the midst of the shift. May we have childlike faith looking forward and already speaking of things to come, speaking into the future, that change has come and is coming because the “evidence” points in that direction.
God doesn’t always do things all at once. In fact, he rarely does. But just like a warm day shows up, and in the minds of optimistic children, there is a perspective shift – the season has automatically changed- even though on the calendar it is not yet time. May we- God’s children – believe that the moment He breaks through our hard or cold season with an unexpected change of ease and warmth – that we are walking into the promise God has made. One touch, one moment, can always remind us that things will not always be difficult. When God comes, even in the “littlest” way, great things are happening. May you notice the sun shining, the days getting longer and brighter and the warmth that is coming your way. May you begin to believe again. May one ray of sunshine bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Winter always leaves. A new season always follows. It is on its way!
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