I don’t like winter. And I know- technically it isn’t winter yet. But as soon as the first snowfall hits -it feels like, sounds like and looks like it is- so it might as well be! I used to say that there is nothing about the winter that I enjoyed. Nothing. Yet, as I took a walk yesterday it occurred to me that I wasn’t being honest with myself. The snow had freshly fallen. It was our first snowfall. And… it was a beautiful sight. There is something about the purity of the white snow on the barren leaves that draws us into beauty we don’t want to go into or to recognize. We cannot deny that it is a piece of art. That is why so many people paint it or take pictures. And I saw many of those on social media. There were many expressions of NOOOOOOO! Lol. It is too early, yet, it really is a sight to behold.
What I realised was that the things that I enjoyed right now, in the cold, were only things that could happen because of this season.
There are some things in life that can’t be escaped and have to be lived through. The cycle of the changing seasons happens every year and can’t be avoided by anyone.
I don’t like the winter temperatures but I love cuddling up to the sight, warmth and smell of a nice fire.
I don’t like the thought of putting on so many layers only to still feel the damp and chill of what winter weather brings, but I love turtle neck sweaters and long cozy tunics that hide all my imperfections.
Christmas is in December. That is all I have to say about that.
I don’t like winter storms. I don’t like wet dirty slush. I don’t like shovelling my driveway.
I do like sitting by my window with a cup of hot chocolate. I do like staying inside. I do like watching children build snowmen, make snow angels, scream with delight as they go up and down toboggan hills. I live right behind one.
Many of us relate or compare the cold, snowstorms and winds of winter to dark times in our lives. We compare them to challenges and difficulties. As I was walking, I realized that what I do in difficult times was what I was do to find moments of enjoyment in this season I don’t like.
When there is a snowstorm, I find shelter. I go to a place of safety and comfort. I stay inside and close to home. Spiritually that is Jesus. He is my shelter, my safe place, my home. I love the picture of the safety presented in Psalm 91. To take my mind of what is displeasing me, I think about what I do like and intentionally take notice of what I can give thanks for. This is a great lesson and truth from Philippians 4 and Colossians 3 that is not only a spiritual practise but very good practical advice to live out each day. There are some things in life that can’t be escaped and have to be lived through. The cycle of the changing seasons happens every year and can’t be avoided by anyone. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us of this so beautifully. Acceptance is my only option.
Every year I moan and groan about the coming winter. Every year I also try to get better at embracing it. You know that saying “If you can’t beat them, join them”? Well, this year I am going to try to be better at that. So, while I still honestly don’t like winter, I do like the opportunity it gives me to enjoy other things that I otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to experience. Just like life, while I don’t like everything that comes my way, I get to have a new experience trusting, enjoying, growing in intimacy with the Lord that I didn’t or wouldn’t have before. I am looking forward to it.
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