Inspired by . . . Winter's Chill

Inspired by . . . Winter's Chill

Nearly every place in the world that experiences winter experiences cold temperatures. Like them or not, the cold does have a purpose.

Cold is a nod to nature to begin a cycle of death that will ultimately lead to new life. [click to tweet]

For some things the death is literal, for others, it is only a period of dormancy. Leaves die and fall to the ground as the trees enter a new cycle of life. Bears and some species of butterflies go dormant, their life cycle suspended in an esoteric sleep.

Mostly, cold is hostile. Inhospitable. Severe.

Yet, the deep coldness of winter is when the harsh pruning of self-examination takes place. The irony is that often our self-examination, while good and necessary, often exposes just how self-absorbed we really are.

We become so fixated on discovering what God wants us to do for Him, or on what we're already doing for God, that we fail to realize we've got things turned around.

Perhaps what is really important is what He is doing in us. [click to tweet]

It's a subtle shift but an important one, I think.

This time of year instead of offering Him our food or our social media time let's offer up OURSELVES.

"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."

Perhaps He will direct us toward deep self-examination or to giving up a certain luxury or habit. 

But let's allow Him to lead the conversation. Let's allow Him to draw us into Himself. Into His suffering. Into His joy. Into . . .

. . . where ever it is He wishes to lead us.

Let's allow Him to reveal the beauty of His plan. Let's take the time, maybe forty days or so, to sit quietly while He toils in the deep, dormant soil of our souls. Those cold, wintry places.

Then, let us watch in wonder as He sweeps aside the soil and shines His light into the darkness, revealing the growth that has made all things new!

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus