Winter? After six weeks in Florida, away from winter, we are getting ready to go back home to winter so I came across a blog I wrote a few years ago.
Though I grew up in the North where snow covered the ground for almost half a year and I took part in winter sports, I’m not loving it so much in this season of life. However, grandkids can make it enjoyable. My granddaughter labeled it JOY.
Winter season brings joy as we expect the coming spring. It’s a season to hibernate and reflect for some and greater activity for others. When the nights are long and the days are short, and the temperatures drop, we curl up inside our warm houses, perhaps sitting by the fireplace reading and drinking hot chocolate.
Those who despise winter, at least for some of us who live in the North we complain about it. We stare at weather reports and see how much snow will come, and how cold are the temperatures. We actually depend on this knowledge, and often our life depends on it. It’s better to be prepare sudden weather change than leave it to chance and get stranded somewhere.
How to benefit from times of inactivity during winter
Perhaps we like to do things that keep us healthy or keep our minds stimulated. But most of all, we can spend time with the Lord by reading his Word and prayer. By allowing the Lord to speak to our spirit man and directing our thoughts to think about His goodness and grace.
We can seek God and trust his wisdom to help us walk the right path, even the snow-covered ones.
You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at you right hand.
Psalm 16:11
Yesterday, when my granddaughter informed me that winter is now her favorite season, I was totally shocked. She had liked summer before this. As one who likes to ask questions, its easy to get a long verbal response from her. For a barely eight-year-old, she’s full of intelligent responses. Grandma listened with interest as she went on with her lecture about the seasons. Through her imagination she explained the emotions for each season, which I’ve already forgotten, all but one, joy.
Winter is called Joy
How is winter joyful?
Other than the winter sports enthusiasts, I find very few reasons to celebrate winter at my mature age right now. After thinking about it, I had an epiphany as we trudged the snow and ice-covered paths; I found a reason to be joyful. I was spending quality time with my granddaughter. She loved it. Thankfulness welled in my heart as we played king in a castle (snow sculptures) where granny was the servant and she was the king, or actually the queen.
Building this relationship invigorated me about life. Once again, I’m grateful for the little things, and even the snow. Winter can be joyful. How else would I have known how to rejoice in winter?
Often we meditate about our regrets or think negative thoughts about the season we’re in without consciously living in the present. Enjoying the present and letting go of past failures brings joy to our hearts, even in the cold winter season.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Contentment in any situation brings joy. Uncontrolled negative thoughts not rob us of this joy, but they also affect our emotional, mental, and physical health. Our mind is the battleground where we have the power to think about good things in every circumstance. By taking charge of our thoughts, we can enjoy the present, even in our least-favorite winter season. Remember, winter is joy.
What do you like about winter? What activities do you like to do in the winter?If you subscribe to my mailing list, it would make my day! Please add your email to the Subscription Box. You will get a notice of new posts in your email. Facebook statuses get lost in the noise, so many will miss it. Thank you to those who’ve subscribed and thank you in advance to those who will hop on board. I appreciate you. Wishing you joy.
P.S. Please share this post on your social media. Thank you so much.
