Sprinter

2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

What happened to spring? Most of the Midwest states have experienced a new phenomenon called "sprinter" (spring & winter.) We're wondering where the pleasant sixty-five degree temperatures have hidden. Where the sunshine went to rest. We've had a sun-kissed day here or there, but only a tantalizing taste. No full blown, run outside and dance in the breeze kind of day has arrived. The result—downhearted folks who need a boost of tulips blooming without snow laced over them.

When winter hangs on well into April, we become restless and discouraged. This is much like seasons of life, where darkness seems to hang over our heads. Maybe the tragedy of loss, discouragement from what seems like every side, or the results of sin drags me down. Or the melancholy feeling of defeat or failure. The good news is spring does finally come. Yesterday, I heard the birds twittering their welcome.

Through the darkness, God will encourage and refresh our hearts. His robins will sing a song of joy. Regardless of the situation I'm in, I have wonderful hope in Jesus. I may feel discouraged and alone, but I'm not. Jesus is with me, and he strengthens me. Pray for his encouragement and open the Bible to his verses of grace. He's the light in the darkness. The spring after winter.

Like the essence of spring, Jesus refreshes my soul.

A Light that Shines

Revelation 22:1-5Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Matthew 5:14-16“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

In January, grey dreary days have plagued southwest Ohio. For the most part, I'm a winter person. I love snow and the light that makes it sparkle. But so far our winter has been a drippy mess. We've had spring-like temperatures with mud. I'm not sure what coat to wear or whether I even need a coat. Mind you, I'm thankful we haven't had severe snowstorms or dangerous conditions. But a sprinkle of pretty white snow would be appreciated. Instead we're slogging through dark days with occasional sunshine.

How many times do we sludge through life in the dark? Instead of letting Jesus light shine through encouragement, hope, and joy, I let the misery of being human cast a shadow over me. Sometimes life sucks the light right out of me. But Jesus said if I am his follower, I also need to be his light. I need to care about the people around me, I'm called to show the love of Jesus, and I'm required to give. What a blessing to show Jesus' light. But do you know what is even better? Heaven! One of these days when I'm sitting at the throne of God, he will be the light. We won't need the sun. Because God is the light of heaven. I don't know about you, but I can get through these dreary winter days a little easier with the hope of heaven and the light that shines through God. Praise God for his eternal light!

Faith Replaces Logic

Psalm 74:16-17
The day is yours, and yours also the night;
    you established the sun and moon.
It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
    you made both summer and winter.

Spring flowers bloom, summer grass grows, autumn leaves color the trees. Then there’s winter. The season of quiet, cold, ice, snow, did I mention quiet. January brings a sense of serenity after a flurried season of celebration. I don’t know how your holidays are, but mine are blessed with lots of people and activities. As much as I love the busy, fun holiday, I cherish the month of January. And yes, I like winter. The solitude, the silvery snow, colder temperatures, but mostly the time to think. In winter I ponder my relationship with God, my goals, life with family and friends.

God created seasons for nature to roll through just as he gave us seasons in life. Age wise, I’m probably in my autumn years. Logically, these are the days when wisdom wins over daring. But, where God is concerned, faith replaces the logic and I’m willing to step out and follow my Father’s lead. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I do listen for what God has in store for me. This is the year of listening and following. Where he leads I’ll go in faith.

What are you doing this year?