The hours after Christmas always seem to be filled with mixed feelings
of relief and sadness. The time spent getting ready for Christmas is
always somewhat hurried, so the thought of slowing life down a bit
brings feelings of relief. At the same time saying goodbye to the
holidays always means winter cold will inevitably set in with cold dark
nights. I love snow, and for me there are parts of winter that are
magical.
What I'm not wild about is extreme cold and blistering cold winds.
Just like everything in life every event brings both good and bad results. The deep winter months offer a chance to spend time reflecting and talking to God. Usually after Christmas I reflect on what has been and what I would choose to change for the upcoming year. I don't actually make New Year's resolutions, but I do reflect and talk to God about what can be changed and should be different. Often, I end up realizing it is my attitude that needs to change. Many problems I experience could be alleviated if I would love more, forgive sooner, or turn problems over to God without trying to solve them by myself. I firmly believe our culture teaches us we need to be self-sufficient and as a result we don't rely on God. Reflecting on those Things is humbling and nets a rich reward.
January and February also mean a lot of people will experience some cabin fever and feelings of isolation. While the winter gives us time to reflect and talk to God some experience loneliness. Experiencing loneliness is not bad in and of itself. What is problematic about those feelings is that we often run from the feeling and don't allow the feelings to do the work God intended. Feelings of loneliness serve to remind us that we need the company of others. Remembering that no man is an island is a good thing. God created us to love Him and others.
Both reflection and dealing with our feelings bring me to the same conclusion...
It would do me well to stop being concerned about what others think and to spend more time loving passionately even if they are not receptive of my love. We are not responsible for how others respond. I am only responsible for loving well and forgiving freely.
When I spend time talking to God, He gives me what I need. God gives me strength and courage. God gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, (etc from Gal 5:22).
The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need. Psalm 23:1
In light of that I can look forward to these upcoming months.
What I'm not wild about is extreme cold and blistering cold winds.
Just like everything in life every event brings both good and bad results. The deep winter months offer a chance to spend time reflecting and talking to God. Usually after Christmas I reflect on what has been and what I would choose to change for the upcoming year. I don't actually make New Year's resolutions, but I do reflect and talk to God about what can be changed and should be different. Often, I end up realizing it is my attitude that needs to change. Many problems I experience could be alleviated if I would love more, forgive sooner, or turn problems over to God without trying to solve them by myself. I firmly believe our culture teaches us we need to be self-sufficient and as a result we don't rely on God. Reflecting on those Things is humbling and nets a rich reward.
January and February also mean a lot of people will experience some cabin fever and feelings of isolation. While the winter gives us time to reflect and talk to God some experience loneliness. Experiencing loneliness is not bad in and of itself. What is problematic about those feelings is that we often run from the feeling and don't allow the feelings to do the work God intended. Feelings of loneliness serve to remind us that we need the company of others. Remembering that no man is an island is a good thing. God created us to love Him and others.
Both reflection and dealing with our feelings bring me to the same conclusion...
It would do me well to stop being concerned about what others think and to spend more time loving passionately even if they are not receptive of my love. We are not responsible for how others respond. I am only responsible for loving well and forgiving freely.
When I spend time talking to God, He gives me what I need. God gives me strength and courage. God gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, (etc from Gal 5:22).
The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need. Psalm 23:1
In light of that I can look forward to these upcoming months.
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