Winter
…for anyone who enters God's rest also rests
from his own work, just as God did from his. –Hebrews 4:10 NIV
Winter is definitely here.
Cold fronts come through with strong winds that ruffle the water, bend
the sea oats and cause the gulls to tuck their heads down into their
chest. Summer clothes get pushed to the
far side of the closet and long sleeves shirts and bulky sweaters replace them.
There are some people that even leave the beach during winter for warmer
climates in the south. Seems everything takes a break. Grasses and flowers go
dormant, birds hunker down in their nests, and blowing sand covers steps and
walkways to the beach. At first glance, it can be considered a dreary time, but
I don’t see it that way at all. Especially when the basil seeds sprouted this
week in my makeshift greenhouse in the kitchen window. It is great to see new
life spring forth.
Winter is a time to replenish, renew and rest. It is a time
to appreciate the beach, too. While nature takes a nap, we can still walk the
beach or walk to the end of a pier and feel the wind at sunrise. A hot cup of
coffee or cocoa warms the spirit anytime. Reading a book by the fire wrapped in
a warm throw can keep the mind active. Seafood chowder and buttery cornbread
tastes like a feast for dinner on a cold evening. There is something to do each day.
Winter can be a solitary time and that is good for our
spirit to be by ourselves with little distraction. God is always there and in
the quiet moments of life, we tend to hear Him more clearly. He drops in ideas
and thoughts to our minds and hearts. We have all winter for them to take root
on the inside of us. Winter is the time
to plan the garden of our life, for spring will be here soon enough and we must
cultivate our hopes and dreams so they can grow into full harvest. These cold
days are times to actively seek God’s Presence and His Voice for our life. He
is our Counselor in all things. Entering into God’s Rest prepares us to receive
what He has for us next.
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