Image courtesy of Evgeni Dinev at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 21^st marks the first day of winter.  BRRR!!!

So far, Austin, Texas has had quite the chilly fall season, so I can only imagine that winter will prove to be a cold one this year.

Winter is a hard season.

It’s cold, dreary and downright depressing some days.  It gets dark early and once the holidays are over there just doesn’t seem to be much to get excited about.

But, what can we do about it?

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18

For one, we can change our attitude.  Instead of dreading a season set indoors, we can plan to accomplish great things when everyone else is holed up and unlikely to be getting much done.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…. 2Corinthians 10:5

And two, we can take this time to rest and rejuvenate.  Spring, summer and fall are all hectic times of the year.  Winter is the one time we can truly be excused from the hustle and bustle of too many activities.  Take advantage of the down time.  We all need it more than we ever think!!

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Most importantly…spend time with God.  Give Him your agenda and ask for His input.  Give Him each moment and be ready to be amazed at the work He can accomplish through you.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Winter doesn’t have to be a graveyard of restlessness and discontentment.  It can be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to make changes in your life so that it reflects who you really are and Whose (God’s) you really are.

Life is always full of the next thing to do, but God created only one YOU.  Take care of yourself and let God work His miracles through you and for you.  Forgetting to place God as your priority will only lead you to the dead wasteland of a winter season.

God made winter for so much more!  Take advantage of His power, glory and love.  Live this winter like you are special…because you are!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.