Winter Waiting

There are things about winter time that I just love.  I love the smell of the crisp cold air.  I love the way the stars seem to shine brighter in the clear winter air.  Snow falling, covering the landscape with white is beautiful...it covers all the junk in our yards, making everything look clean and neat.  The bare trees contrasting against the sky.  There are also things I don't like.  Shoveling, driving in bad weather, being cold at work, wearing so many layers I feel like I can't move.  But one of the things about winter that I always think about is God at work.  The other thing that I think about is being in a time of rest. 

The trees are stark.  The grass is  brown and faded.  There are no colorful flowers in bloom lining our walkways.  Everything looks bleak, and lifeless.  But in a way this inspires me, encourages me.  It reminds me that even when circumstances may seem dead, hopeless....God is at work underneath it all.  There must be something going on during the winter, because every spring the buds come again, the flowers roll out their beautiful colors and the grass becomes a lively green again.  We can't see it happening, but God knows it is.  He's working during the winter in nature and He is working in our "winter" circumstances.    I find winter so encouraging in this way, because so many times I am waiting on God's answers, waiting on God's timing, waiting for God to act.  Winter reminds me God is active even when I don't see what He's doing. 

The other part of winter that I like is the restfulness.  It's not a season of doing.  After the crazy pace of the holidays, I need this quiet time.  And maybe  that's one of the reasons God gave us this season so closely following the busy holidays.  He knew we wouldn't slow down if the weather was always sunny and warm.   There is a stillness to winter that I enjoy.  There is nothing better than a "snow day" when hot chocolate and a snuggly blanket are involved!  I am thankful for this cold, muted time of year.  I am thankful for the mindfulness of God's Presence, the reminder that He is still active when all we see is deadness, and the fact that we can rest securely in His hands. 

Thank You Father that You are always at work on our behalf, whether we see it or not.  Increase our faith as we look at the way You have made nature work.  Thank You that we can rest in You and Your loving care.  Thank You for the reminders of this fact.  You are amazing.  In Jesus' most knowing Name.  Amen.

Trust, rest.