3 Things I Like About Winter

Psalm 74:17 “It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both summer and winter.”

If you live where I do, then you know that winter has definitely arrived in full swing.

Cold winds that literally take your breath away.

Temperatures in the single digits.

Extra layers of clothing.

Heating up your mug of coffee countless times just to keep your hands warm!

Yes, winter is here and most people find themselves complaining about the excruciating cold. I get it. I really do. I’m cold-natured to the core.

Gloomy. Dark. Frigid. Bone-chilling. Frosty. Bitter. Arctic. COLD!

But according to the verse in Psalm 74, God made the summer AND winter. It wasn’t a mistake. It’s not like he ran out of heat and made up another season at the last minute. No, he created winter for a purpose.

Even though I don’t fully understand everything about God’s creation, here’s a few silver linings I’ve grown to embrace during the winter season:

1. It makes me appreciate the warmth of heat!

Usually when we’re hot, we don’t think about the blessing of heat. In fact, we’re usually looking for ways to cool off in the hot weather. But when winter comes, even the smallest bit of heat can be soothing to one’s frigid-cold hands. I often find myself thinking about those who live on the streets who may be struggling to survive this arctic-blast weather. Heat. Something we take for granted. Something we must have to survive. Something we would never appreciate if it were never cold.

2. It causes my family to slow down and be still.

With the shorter days and frigid temps, we’re inside a lot more. We have more time to just hang out together. Whether it’s playing a game or finding something fun to watch on television, we are definitely spending more time together. If it were summer all the time, we’d be running ourselves ragged from one activity to the next and my husband would hardly want to come inside from his never-ending outdoor projects! When winter first comes on the scene, my daughter whines and says she’s bored. But it’s not too long before she settles into a routine of grabbing her favorite book and cuddling up in the recliner. I truly treasure this season with my family.

3. It can be an extended time of inward reflection.

When life slows down and we’re limited to outside activities, it’s only natural to have more time to be still. But what we choose to do with this time is crucial! Instead of being bored or wishing the time away, we can use this season of life to truly seek the face of God more intently and purposefully. What does He want to do in me? What does He want to do through me? What areas of my life need some renovation? Who is He putting in my path to pour into? All of these are questions flowing into the stillness of my thoughts. I can’t easily dash out the door to escape His calling. It’s His gentle calling in the middle of winter that melts the coolness of my stubborn soul. So yes, this time of year is perfect to be still at the feet of Jesus. A time for renewal of what is to come. Spring is coming and I want to be ready!

I encourage you to embrace this winter season. Gain a new perspective. Slow down. Reflect.

The warmth of God’s peace will melt away anything bitter-cold no matter what the temperature of your soul may be.

Psalm 74:17 “It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both summer and winter.”

Blessings to you!

Lisa Preuett

http://www.reststopforthesoul.com