THEN CAME WINTER

But I trusted in thee, O Lord:

I said, Thou art my God.

My times are in thy hand...

Psalm 31:14,15a

Winter has never been my favorite season. In times past, about all I ever enjoyed about this season was Christmas and my birthday in January. Depending on where I lived, I usually lived in the middle of lots of snow. Even as a kid, I didn't like snow. There were dark days, chills to the bone and having to wear gloves and boots most of the time. A ride on a sled was about my only enjoyment where winter was concerned.

Looking at our lives, I believe the four weather seasons we live through can be applied to where we are in life. Spring reminds me of new life and the nurturing of life into adulthood. Summer is a continuation of the young life that continues to be nurtured into young adult life through higher education, careers and family life. Fall brings us to a more mature view of life that can involve more established scenes. Some may even look to early retirement. With it can come empty-nesters, grandchildren, aging pets, and a good feeling of life in general.

THEN CAME WINTER...as much as I have never really liked the winter seasons, my present winter isn't all that bad. Oh, there are the usuals we experience in these particular days...arthritis, tendency to trip and fall, retirement adjustments, Medicare, married children with their own lives, Homegoing of loved ones, relaxing in a comfy chair, and watching a clock with hands that seem to move much too quickly.

For older believers, the winter days can be full of sadness and regret. Such folks become moody and hard to get along with. That's no way to complete life's journey. There won't be another spring time to walk into. Winter is our final season of life, so to speak. As believers, a major goal for each of us is to finish well. No matter the good life and example we have led for 90% of our lives, that final 10% is what will be most remembered by those who knew us.

My concern for us winter snow birds can be a spiritual smugness that can take over. It's during these years we feel we have grown as much spiritually as we ever will. How wrong can we be? These are years with more time in Scripture, in prayer and being a blessing in the lives of others. Winter, despite the weather, can be days of SONshine, with folks who love Jesus and others like never before. May we continue to grow in Him with the vigor of our Spring and Summer days. If we are in our winter days right now, we should eventually leave them having enjoyed every day and loving and knowing the Lord like never before. If you are in another season, make the best of each day knowing that around the corner, winter will arrive sooner than expected.

Thank You Father, for every day You give us in this life of ours. Help us to make each day You give us count for You and count in the lives of others You allow to send our way. In Jesus...Amen