Winter Reflections
It’s good to reflect on the past. I like to reflect on each season that just passed. My Winter reflections are a few weeks early because I’m admittedly rushing Winter to go ahead and be behind me. It is winter outside where I live, but we are beginning to feel Spring just around the corner. The land is at rest because cold weather slows down growth. It is also a time for us to rest and plan for Spring so we are ready to plant and see growth.
We can also experience “winter” at other times of the year. Sometimes, on a sunny, hot Summer day, we face things like a new diagnosis, job loss, marital struggles, or financial difficulties. I have experienced winter seasons emotionally and spiritually while it was 95 degrees outside. And like this current Winter, my life circumstances sometimes match the season outside.
Winter has been long and hard.
It was full of extra work responsibilities, seeing loved ones in pain, feeling helpless, not meeting goals, and a few depressing days when my body craved sunshine but only saw gray clouds.
Winter held a lot of joy.
It was full of laughter, lots of cozy nights in front of our fake fireplace that we have convinced ourselves looks real, more snuggles in bed, really good books, way too many podcasts, and so much more.
Winter has been hard and joyful. I’m learning to hold space for both at the same time.
Going through Winter-type seasons with our health, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, is what we call a life struggle, a life-changing challenge, or a difficulty that can feel like it will never end. We look back on these times and are glad they are over, but many times, we can see how we grew the most in our spiritual life or became more self-aware. Looking back, these life experiences helps me as I find myself in winter year after year.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I tolerate Winter. It’s my least favorite time of the year, though. I’m trying, but I’m not making much progress. This is why I reflect on the past season. My Winter reflections remind me how hard this season is and how I find joy in the hard.
