I’m a visual kind of girl. I need to see things to understand them. I love that Jesus used parables in the Bible to help people understand what it was He was teaching. He still does that today, if we’ll listen and let him.
This past month we had some crazy weather for winter. It was rainy but in the high 60’s and low 70’s. I know I live in the south, but our winters are cold, even without snow.
One Saturday morning, I decided I needed a walk. Fresh air. It didn’t matter that the clouds were pitch and pregnant, ready to pour down. It was warm.
As I walked through our subdivision, I noticed the barren trees. Almost all of them totally void of leaves. The winter season had hit. And yet every single tree still had branches raised to the heavens. As if declaring, “We will honor God, though we’ve been stripped bare. The rains, winds, and cold will not silence our praise and surrender to the King of all Kings. The Lord of all Lords.”
I cried during that walk as I reflected on my winter seasons. Did I keep my arms lifted in praise and surrender when I felt stripped bare? Or did I choose to weep and drop my arms along with my trust and faith, like the Willow?
Some winter seasons, I did not. But as I’ve grown more mature in the Lord, I’ve discovered that I can weather the winter, if I remember that God is in charge of the seasons and nothing separates me from His love.
“He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:21
He’s in control of kings and world events and I know He’s in control of my seasons as well.
Share with me: How do you fair in winter seasons of your life?
Jessica R. Patch writes inspirational contemporary romance with plenty of mystery and suspense. A passion to draw women into intimacy with God keeps her motivated, along with heaping cups of caffeine in the form of coffee. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or teaching the new & growing believer’s class at her church, you can find her sneaking off to movies with her husband, embarrassing her daughter in unique ways, beating her son at board games and contemplating how to get rid of her irksome dog (she hasn’t attempted any of them…yet). She is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency. Connect with Jessica R. Patch at her website.
Hale and Hearty Words 
So important to praise in those looong winter seasons–I’m just learning this. And I’m realizing the praise is the key to the blessing–like Ann Voskamp says, “Thanksgiving comes before the miracle” (or something like that!). We can have some extended-year winters as writers, for sure. Blessings to both of you today, Jessica and Jennifer!
Thanks, Heather! I learn this every day too. And you’re spot-on, as writers we have long winter seasons for sure. Oh for spring! 🙂
So glad to see Jessica here today, Jenny.
There have been winter seasons when I have let discouragement ice-over my heart. And then there have been times when the warmth of trust has brought forth praise. It is a choice–always a choice.
Agreed, Beth! It is always a choice and I love your description of iced hearts and the warmth of trust! 🙂
Thanks for having me today, Jenny! 🙂
You are so welcome. Thanks for helping me out while I’m currently “waiting” out the looooooooong winter of this pregnancy!! 🙂 But spring’s a-comin’!
Beautiful. I’ve been going through a personal winter season for over 15 months. I turn to the Lord every day to keep pushing on, and He delivers. Winter isn’t as bad when we trust in God’s promises.