
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.
Thanks so much for stopping by MyWhateverBlogsite.
Please feel free to comment, share and connect with me, and have a wonderful day!