I was standing in a long checkout line at the store the other day, directly in the path of cold wind blowing in through the sliding glass doors every time they opened. I was chilled to the bone. In my mind I was whining about the draft; I most likely even had a frown on my face.
And then I remembered that less than two weeks ago the entire state of Texas was blanketed in snow, complemented by temperatures well below the freezing mark. I scolded myself for complaining.
The odd, winter storm that caught everyone in my state off guard earlier this month also threw a wrench into my mojo. Cold winter months are challenging for me even in a mild season. I’m a warm weather, outdoors kind of gal. The plummeting temp grabbed hold of my emotions and dragged them right down too. The scary thing is that I didn’t realize until much later that the seasonal sadness had hit me. It snuck up on me this year and put me in a sour mood.
I rarely complain about anything, but that day I actually caught myself in the act – complaining about something I have no control over and letting it ruin the moment I was in, instead of praising God for everything and in all circumstances. I sat down today to write about being grateful that the winter storm is over. But instead – as so often happens when I write – the words have taken a life of their own, leading me to the lesson God is giving me this day.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thes. 5:18 NKJV)
Offer praise and thanksgiving for everything. I am loved. I am made in His image. I am His child. His care and provision for me do not change with the seasons.
Yes, I am grateful that the winter storm has ended. But I am so much more grateful that God allowed me to experience it. I walked through snow ten inches deep – something I’ll probably never do again in this region of Texas. I watched kids sledding down a roadside hill. I found the opportunity to help others in need. I got to sleep late every day for a week – one of my favorite things! I spent hours cuddled up by the fire with the man that I love.
Most importantly, I saw the beauty and majesty of God’s creation in a whole new way. So thank you, Lord, for changes big and small, for hiccups in my routine that allow me to experience Your glory in new ways.
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