Thoughts of winter have been on my mind and in my daily path. No doubt you are facing winter as well wherever you live. This year, winter has delivered brutal weather in the form of record snow, freezing temperatures, hurricanes, floods, and horrific fire storms. My heart and prayers continue for the countless souls who have endured such traumatic and life-altering events this winter season.
Winter reflections take me back to so many memories of childhood, as a young mother, as an empty nester couple, to where I am today. Winters spent looking out the window, making fog paintings, longing for the sun to come out so I could run without my shoes on. Other winters, using all the resources, I had to keep the little ones entertained and content in the warmth of the house. As our family grew and Ken and I became empty nesters, winter became a quiet time of reflection and building new memories. We would record events from the past year, anticipate what would come up in the new year, and list future goals and how to use our time on earth for God’s best.
Winter of 2020 started with our first experience of living in the snow, facing the recent sudden diagnosis of brain cancer, and making new memories with our NorthWest Arkansas family in the middle of pandemic restrictions. They built a snowman just outside our window that remained for weeks. Today, four years of winters here without Ken, reflecting on how much I have been blessed through every winter, even the most difficult one I ever lived through.
I have grown through each winter of my life. Even the tough winters that brought disappointment, loss, devastation, and isolation. I have endured and learned along the way that winter requires me to stay put, to allow the very roots of my soul to dig deep into the soil of my heart. To, at times, cry out to my creator for understanding and wisdom. As my roots are nourished, growth is happening, and it will provide what I need to spring into action in the next season, literally. Through each winter, I have experienced opportunities to reflect on the past with the intention of hoping for the future.
During winter, it is a discipline, and at times, it takes great effort for me to appreciate and welcome this season. This winter has been a bit more refreshing as I have stepped out into new areas, learning things, meeting new friends, and growing relationships.
I am so very grateful and blessed that God created each season for growth, nourishment, and enjoyment. As I reflect on over 60 winters of my life one fact remains, after the winter came the spring!
May God bless you in whatever winter season you are experiencing. May you feel the warmth of your roots digging deep in preparation for the spring. May you have the opportunity to reflect on the past winters of your life as you make new memories in this season.
There is a time for everything,
And a season for every activity under the heavens:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Your Friend,
Pati
19 responses to “Winter Reflections”
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This was so lovely, Pati. I am bathed in the assurance of our Lord that the winter of our souls will pass. If we permit ourselves to be soft clay in His hands, He is faithful to transform us more and more into the likeness of Christ so that we are wiser, stronger, more resilient and of more use in the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. But it is surely a painful process at times with lots of hills and many seemingly bottomless valleys. In such a crucible as you have endured it requires the help of the Holy Spirit. For us to remain steadfast in the faith He has to and is willing to meet us more than halfway. I am reminded that He is FOR us. Pati, you are such a beautiful example of soft clay and every thought you share offers tremendous hope for surviving the crucibles and is evidence that He will never leave us.
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Dear Pati, thanks again for your beautiful insights from GOD. I would honestly say winter is my least favorite time of the year. Living in Central Pennsylvania all my life I have to say that there are some beautiful things though about winter like the pretty white snow, seeing cardinals against the white snow, warm electric throws or blankets and soft fleece blankets and clothes. I know GOD made winter. I just don’t like the real cold, windy, blustery cold and definitely I hate the black ice and dangerous road conditions. I told my sister and some others, like my doctor the other day the cold we had the other week was invigorating. They laughed. Another good thing is it makes me really enjoy my warm bed praying and reading and studying GOD’S word. And Larry and I are working on puzzles together. It makes me look forward to Spring. May GOD continue to bless ya this winter. ❤️ ya in CHRIST.
Peggy Bixler
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Oh my sometimes I forget how treacherous this weather is for you folks up north. We only get a little bit of that but it’s enough to keep us indoors and off the roads. I appreciate your reminder about using the time for things of value like praying and spending time with those you love. Thank you very much for your comment and continued encouragement. I’m grateful for you.
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Pati Rader 
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