How To Live With Joy When Winter Settles In

There is still beauty to be found. There are still things to smile about. The sun still rises each morning. There is brilliance in the setting sun and refreshment in the cool breeze.

There is still so much to grab hold of and run with.

When Life Becomes Difficult

I’ve noticed it for years. This year more than ever.

When winter sets in, people quit living. They take a break until spring rays warm the soil. They lose weeks, perhaps months, of their life to discontent and despair because life is not proceeding in a manner they expected or hoped.

The snow is too deep. The cold too bitter. Bundling up too difficult. Shouldering through the drifts too daunting.

Oh, I know, in the midst of the bitter temps and the mounds of snow, life may seem unwelcoming, even hostile at times. I feel it too.

Yet it’s only when we stop appreciating, that life truly turns truly ugly.

It's only when we stop appreciating, that life truly turns truly ugly. Share on X

When we quit looking for the beauty our hearts shrivel a bit, our eyes become trained to see only the ashes where gems lay intermixed.

Finding Joy in Your Winter Season

It’s in noticing the beauty where joy in the winter seasons of life is found. 

No matter how cold and stormy your winter gets, there’s still much to appreciate, much life to live.

Deep under the snow, new life rests and prepares, while above, trees sing in the breeze and frosty branches sparkle bright.

So sit in the blanket of a winter moment.

• As the cold breeze slaps color into your face, feel the deep peace of a day of rejuvenation.
• Listen to the birds tweeting songs of hope and squirrels chittering the joy of another day alive.
• Marvel at the brilliance of the glittering snow and the stark beauty of majestic trees against a cobalt sky.

Bundle up and stride through an evening that wears a quiet so profound you can hear your thoughts.

Wrap up your little ones and capture the giggles of a roll down the snowhill or snap a picture of rosy cheeks leaning into a new snowfriend.

Whether settling in to weather the natural season of winter or a long winter in the walk of your life, there’s no reason to wait until spring to begin living again.

Notice the beauty,

Appreciate the blessings,

Give thanks in the midst,

And overwinter with joy.

Notice the beauty. Appreciate the blessings. Give thanks in the midst. Overwinter with joy. Share on X

Because

in every winter, no matter how severe, there are blessings, there are gems mixed in with the ashes.

You just have to look for them.

In every winter, no matter how severe, there are blessings, there are gems mixed in with the ashes. Share on X

And the greatest blessing never changes: Our salvation in Christ is something to celebrate no matter the season!

“Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes; olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure; sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant–but I will still celebrate because the LORD God saves me.”  (Habbakuk 3:17-18)

Reflection: What blessing are you noticing in the midst of your winter?

• Combination of new snow and warmer temps; A day calm enough to allow for omelet making; Soaking in the passion and spirit of the #Olympics
• Morning antics of three squirrels; A light-jacket afternoon; Back on my cross country skis for an afternoon break
• Singing syllable scales with my girl in the shower–pure sweetness; Warm enough to throw the football with Joey; Hubby coming home tonight to beat the storm
• Sleet pricking my face during an evening walk–refreshing; Puzzle-building with my boys; Brilliance of the falling snow reflecting the yard light in the night sky
• Treat of sledding with just my youngest; Chaperoning jazz with a super lady; Experiencing the breathtaking eauty of winter twilight
• Privilege of comforting my children; Looks like just enough split wood to burn to get us through this frigid winter; Savory smell of oven stew
• Back to teaching Sunday School again; Dedication and hard work Zach put in to become an Eagle Scout; Couple hours spent with my brother and sister and their families