The frost bites hard. Minus ten this morning. Denuded trees
stand frozen and bare. Birds hop over the icy earth, sharp beaks pecking,
searching for food.
Winter is here, but thankfully not forever. The shortest day
has passed and we are on the trajectory towards warmth, growth and renewal.
Events in life can plunge us into winter. They can freeze
our ability to relate to others, to communicate, to share and be transparent,
to allow ourselves to be vulnerable. It’s important to allow the love of God to
massage the hurts and sorrows, restoring a normal blood flow and strengthening
our faith in him. However hard it is, we can make the choice to let God thaw the
core of our beings where the hurt has taken up residence. Otherwise, there is a
danger that we move forward outwardly, apparently moving into a springtime
after a winter event, while inwardly we remain frozen in fear.
There is no
fruit for others if winter prevails in our core.
Fear is our greatest enemy, driving out faith and hope and
trust in the God who is love. Fear cripples relationships and destroys lives.
Do not be afraid, God says. I have come to give you life in
all its fullness, Jesus promises. The joy of the Lord is your strength, not a
joy we can work up in ourselves but a joy which he gives as we ask and wait.
May the winter of our sorrows give way to the spring of hope
and promise, restoring life and light and reviving relationships.
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