The season is winter. In our part of the country the weather is cold, snowy, icy, rainy, cloudy, and often unpredictable. The sun makes its glorious appearance on occasion. When it bursts through the clouds it tends to dissipate the winter blues, create warm smiles and happy hearts.
For most, myself included, winter is not a preferable season. I, like many of you, prefer the ambiance, brighter days, and colorful landscapes of summer. I love the musical interludes of the birds and the harmonious choruses of the crickets.
Over the years, however, I have learned to appreciate the season of winter. The pace of everyday living tends to be slower. The snow and ice causes hurriedness and routines to come to a halt. The shut downs, cancellations and delays can be a welcome reprieve. Winter is a great time to retreat, reflect, reorganize, rethink, and rekindle.
In the ancient book of Genesis we find the narrative account of the great flood. It rained upon the earth for 40 days and 40 nights (Read Genesis chapters 6-9). At the cessation of the flood, the receding of the waters, and the appearance of a dry earth Noah emerged from the ark with his family and every living creature. Afterwards he built an altar. The sacrifice was pleasing to God.
Despite man’s proneness to sin God promised Noah that He would never curse the ground again, nor destroy every living creature as He had in the flood. Before God pronounced a blessing over Noah along with His instructions for the replenishment of the earth, He had this to say, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22, ESV).
Seasons will not cease to be. The seasons do, however, change. God is at work in every season. God is faithful in every season.
So enjoy the season of Winter! Above all it is a wonderful time to dwell deeply into God’s presence, to savor His beauty, and the power of His word.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE WINTER
Learn a new craft! I love trying new knitting patterns for dishcloths.
Try a new recipe! This morning I tried a new healthy pancake recipe in the book Forks Over Knives by Alona Pulde, MD and Matthew Lederman, MD. It was quite tasty!
TEA FAVORITE IN THE WINTER
Hot Cinnamon Spice by Harney and Sons
Let’s Talk Soon!
Phyllis
PHYLLIS A. CLEMONS 