Fall Forward?

As Fall approaches we will soon be setting our clocks to fall back. But how many of us are prepared for the long winter months? I suppose if you are from the South -winter can bring a relief from the stifling summer heat - but if you are from the North - you know soon the months of frigid cold will draw you indoors to an almost hibernating state.

This is how the seasons go - we must go forward into the next season - and each season brings change.

Spiritually - how many of us would always want to be in the season of spring and summer and even fall? How many of us truly look forward to that season of long. cold, bitter winter? - with daily shoveling of heaps of snow, temperatures so low that you cannot feel your face, and your vehicle becoming stuck on the smallest spot of ice.

But that is how winter goes. The question is - do we face winter coming -with joy and great expectations - or do we trudge through the long months with feelings of torment and desperate hope of spring?

I love the bible verse -"To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastics 3:1-8.

God created the seasons - every season of life. He gives us the season of winter - not to cause us misery or pain - but for it to be a season of - yes possible hibernation and possible isolation - but also as a season that allows us the time to curl up in front of The Father and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with Him -read His good book -the bible - reflect in the fireplace -Jesus. This season - you can take all those mounds of terrible "snow" and re-create it into something beautiful - a marvelous snow man -or snow angel. Or better yet - put on the pair of skis -called faith - and glide right on top of it -up and over the snowy hills. Put a smile on your face - as you find joy as you speed over the problems of life -of winter. God fully equips us in this season - he gives us the full armour. Would we dress ourselves in a snow storm -with beach attire?

So in this new coming season - as I sense the stirring of change - I know that winter will bring some hardships - I know it will bring some isolation - but if I view it like God views it - He always knows that there is a field filled with sunshine and fresh growing flowers at the end. It is time to unpack the winter attire - the full warm robe of righteousness - and put away the flip flops. Challenges are coming - I must prepare myself -fill my lanterns with oil -open up my book of life -but yet -will totally appreciate the warmth as I sit in front of the fire -God makes really good cocoa to enjoy in the long months. So drink.