Winter

Some people dread winter. It is too cold. The trees are bare. The days are shorter. The nights are longer. But I am not some people. While winter has elements that are not my favorite, I have learned to appreciate winter for what it is….a season. Which means it does not last forever. It has a set time and then we move on to the next season…and the next…and the next.

While walking on the trail the other day, I realized that I could see much farther through the woods. In the spring and summer, the trees are full of bright green leaves that form a canopy. I get caught up in the beauty of being surrounded by so much life and vibrancy. I smile at the leaves blowing in the wind and jump when I hear creatures rustling through the brush. I can hear them but am unable to pinpoint their exact location because there is so much foliage to hide under. But in the winter…all of that is gone. I can see people walking on trails that are usually hidden behind the leaves. I discover new aspects of a road that I have traveled frequently.

And there is such beauty in seeing the new. When all the bright and vibrant parts are gone, I discover what was hiding under the foliage. It is true in my nature walks and especially true in my spiritual walk. When I see what hides underneath, I have a better opportunity to address it. It has been there the whole time, but I was distracted. I can also new trails that I might want to explore when everything is stripped away. It is an opportunity to reset and consider taking paths that I was unaware of.

I am so grateful for my winter. It is positioning me for my next season. #wepreach