I was telling a friend yesterday that I’ve probably gained a few pounds from all the eating I’ve been doing in this cold weather. We just had a major cold snap and I made sure to stock up on all things nourishing and filling. The other night, during the freeze, we had fresh bread…heaping bowls of potato soup…and then warm fudge-y brownies with ice cream on top. It was true blue comfort food at its finest. As I relaxed in the living room by our trusty heater I exclaimed with glee how full and nourished I felt!
Ah, the cozy moments of winter!
Another charming part of winter is that it’s become more so each year a season for learning, reading, planning, and goal setting.
Just as spring and summer buzz with action and is very much filled with physical labor in the garden…winter is busy in a different way. It is my mind that seems to shift into high gear in the winter months. I find myself staying up late reading a new theology book, or dreaming of garden plans, or figuring out the goals I want to set for myself in the coming year.
Just as the ground needs rest from the growing and producing…we too need rest from a production mindset.
We need a season of stillness and this is what our Creator’s winter provides us. The still winter is the perfect time to reassess where we are spiritually. A wonderful time to be purposeful about where we are headed and the things about our lives we need to change. The winter months used to depress me and I really struggled to have a good attitude…until I understood that this season is a gift of refreshment and rest.
So, if you need any encouragement…here ya go! This is the season for reading books, soaking up knowledge on any given subject, creating or making a planner/notebook, learning a new skill, and of course, eating a lot of delicious food!
Love to you,
Lauren