Beside Still Waters

I was on my way to my parents home the other night and

was taken with how much whiter everything is out in the country.

I think it's because it's more untouched by humans and snowplows.

I quickly pulled in at one of the state parks along the reservoir and

snapped a few pictures.

I know we've all seen enough of winter snow scenes and had our fill

of snow ~  including me.  Some even suffer from depression during

these long dark days with less sunlight.

As I was pondering my frustrations with winter and longing for spring,

I was reminded last night of Solomon's wise words from Ecclesiastes 3:1.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose."

Right then and there I realized in God's eyes, this

season is necessary and I made a decision to embrace winter

and enjoy its benefits.

For some of the animals, it is a time of hibernation.  As I

thought about this in terms of my life, I realized how instinctive

it is in winter to want to "snuggle down" in my home.  When I

finished my design classes in early December, all I did was sleep for 

several weeks and woke up just in time for Christmas.

Just like the snowy landscape, my body needed this rest after going

full speed for months on end.

All of nature, from the animals to plant life, take a break from reproducing.

They rest and survive from the reserves that they have stored up during the summer. 

We all live rushed and hectic lives and I must admit that I am a very

"driven" person.  My Mother is constantly telling me to "slow down", 

"you're getting older, and your body needs more rest".  Her words, "you're

going to ruin your health" constantly ring in my ears.  On this 

"Seasonal Sunday", I am going to embrace both the sabbath and the season,

and rest as God intended it to be.

And as all of nature slows down, I am going to give myself "permission"

to slow down, take a few more naps, read a few more books, visit 

with friends and simply give thanks for God's built-in sabbath.

And while I long for spring, I am going to look for the God-given beauty 

of winter and give thanks for this time He has appointed 

to restore my soul.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul."

Psalm 23: 2-3

~

Linking with

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays