We Need the Winter
As I lifted my head and peered out the storm glass windows, I saw a soft 6-inch blanket of snow covering the entire neighborhood. Large cotton ball-like snowflakes were still slowly making their way down to earth. My current location was a Bed and Breakfast in a small Northern Virginia town that held relics of Civil War days and streets lined with 1940’s bungalows. There was a single locally owned Greek restaurant and one stop light (that I could see) as the only markers that this was indeed a town.
I chose this place for a writing retreat, but the weekend turned out to be one filled with rest and perspective, and where very little actual writing occurred. I love how Jesus surprises us sometimes. We think we are doing one thing, but then He comes through with a whole other plan.
I know a lot of people who really do not like the winter. My husband is one of them. He really struggles with how dark it gets outside. Meanwhile, I have always loved the winter. I know, I’m weird! But I love the cold. Even more, I love the snow!
So, this surprise dumping of snow that I woke up to was the perfect crescendo to a weekend of spending time alone with God to think, pray, and download.
I got dressed and enjoyed the amazing breakfast the B&B owners made for me. Then I grabbed my Nikon DSLR, put on my boots, and ventured out into the snow to capture this storybook moment.
As I stopped to photograph the gently falling snow that was piling up on trees and the sides of historic homes, I couldn’t help but think that this season was necessary.
As harsh as winter can be, we need it. Think about it, in the winter everything is dead, but you wouldn’t be able to see through the trees if the leaves never fell off. You’d never appreciate the crisp and colorful blooms of spring if not sprouting up against a dead and gray background.
We need the winter. We need seasons that are bare. We need to be able to see through. We need perspective.
We can’t change the seasons. God put them all into place, and He put them there for a purpose.
Job 37:5-6 says,
God thunders wondrously with his voice;
he does great things that we cannot comprehend.
For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.
I don’t always understand God’s ways, or the season that I’m in. But I know He always has a purpose for me. So I put on my boots and I get in the snow. I watch it fall from my window as I sip a cup of coffee. And I find contentment in knowing that God always knows exactly what we need.