The Wonder Of Winter
Posted by Kim Stanley, January 31, 2024
“The Earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3
Wait.
Does that mean even in the “bleak mid-winter” the earth is full of God’s glory?
In the dark, hard, barren earth, where is His glory?
On foggy, cold, and dreary days with no sunlight to warm our bones, where is God’s glory?
Some of us would probably like January to just get on with itself, because that means we’re one step closer to Spring. (I see that hand.)
But, wouldn’t we miss the gift of God in the Present?
Growing up in Ohio, the winters were cold and snowy and some years dragged on through April.
I do miss the snow, but just one good one would do. As much as I love this Georgia climate, I can start to feel the bleakness, the “meh” of even the mild winters here.
It is understood that life is happening in the cold, hard ground.
I read an article on the term 'vernalization' about why plants need winter. Those apple trees that we like to pick in North Georgia in the Fall, need time to “rest” in the winter, with a certain amount of low-temperature days, so that they will flower and produce that luscious fruit properly.
There is something unseen that God is always doing, even in the winter of our souls.
And while the promise of Spring is a well-placed Hope, I do not want to miss the Presence of his Glory in the gray winter.
He is at work here.
His Glory is seen here.
The cold temps make us want to stay wrapped up in a blanket in our favorite chair.
The coffee pot or tea kettle is on and ready to pour at all hours for friends who stop by.
That book that has long been on our shelves, calls to be opened.
And if you go to work in another place, you can find His Glory there too.
Look out your office window, or at the school courtyard and catch a glimpse of the Glory of God in the bare trees and cloud-covered skyline.
Notice the people beside you in your cubicle or in the classroom.
Seasons are His idea.
It’s all over Scripture.
And He is Lord over every one of them.
Our study at Touching Hearts has been on decluttering the heart. It has been very timely.
The table is set before us, let’s enjoy this winter feast!
Here are a few things that are helping me right now:
Reading the Word daily; the Author has written the greatest love story ever.
Practicing stillness; asking God to search my heart and uncover any dark places. Then listening.
Getting more sleep
Eating my veggies
Trying a new recipe (with veggies)
Cleaning out a drawer, cabinet or closet (not the whole house, just one at a time)
Thanking God for every little thing I can think of.
Praying Psalm 4 before I go to sleep at night.
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
References:
“In The Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rosetti
Link to the article mentioned:
Kim Stanley is a worship leader, speaker, writer, and is the worship leader for Touching Hearts Ministries. She and her husband Joe have been in itinerant worship ministry for over 30 years. She is the founder and director of One Thing Worship, a retreat ministry for women that provides sacred time and space to be still and hear the voice of God. She also co-hosts a podcast called “A Burst Of Hope” with Martha Wilson. She and Joe have been married for 40 years; they have 4 grown children, one in heaven, and 6 grandchildren. They live in the south metro Atlanta area. You can connect with Kim on her website, www.joeandkimstanley.com, and on Facebook and Instagram @onethingworship.