Finally, in Kelowna the snow has melted and replaced the
terrain with a grey and brown mess. Even
though our winter was harsh, the majestic beauty of fresh, glimmering snow
temporarily hid the remnants of fallen leaves and dried vegetation. On my
regular five kilometre walks I love to look around at God’s glorious creation
and take time to praise Him and thank Him that I live in such a beautiful
country. Today it was hard, as my eyes took in the grey rubble, mud and brownish
flattened grass.
Winter has left its stain.
The winter seasons in our life also leave their ugly scars
and discoloured reality. Those seasons of grief, disappointments and daily
struggles, when it seems that everyone is getting on with his or her life and
you’re left behind. When the communication in your marriage hits a rock wall. Or when you feel like you’ve lost control of
your children and call yourself a “terrible parent.” When you’re trying to
start a new novel or non-fiction book and the landscape of your brain is barren
and dry. No matter how hard you try, the monthly budget just doesn’t meet all
the needs. Those are the dark and lonely
days of the winter season.
Trudging along with one foot in front of the other I
reflected on my own winter season. Yes, losing my second husband to a heart
attack was dreadful and hard and left a grey mess in my life. But how sad if I continue to stay in that
darkness without hope of new life. As I
continued my walk I saw
The vineyard workers had been in the fields and starting pruning the
grape vines. The beginning of new life!
Bountiful fruit. The new season of
spring is just around the corner.
New
hope!
We all go through those hard cycles of life, but what a
waste if we stay in that mess and never allow God to prune us for new
beginnings. New growth. Transformed minds. So how do we continue this
journey out of winter and into spring?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on our own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths
straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Trusting God to take you out of your darkness and onto a new
pathway starts with knowing who “your Lord” is.
Is it your own strength? Is it the advice of your friends and family? Or
is it the Lord, the creator of Heaven and earth? The One who knew you before
the foundations of the world were formed? The One who marches the stars out
each night and calls them by name, and not one of them is missing? (Isaiah
40:26).
Our Lord who has a good future and plan for each one of us.
I know it may not feel like it, but God is with us every day
helping us to live out our very best life.
In the same way that our nature seasons come and go, our life and soul
seasons follow that same rhythm. Allow God to guide you out of your winter
darkness, let Him prune what needs to go, and embrace the fresh and new
springtime of your life. Watch the new fruit emerge!
Heidi McLaughlin lives in the beautiful vineyards of the Okanagan
Valley in Kelowna, British Columbia. Heidi has been widowed twice. She is a mom
and step mom of a wonderful, eclectic blended family of 5 children and 12
grandchildren. When Heidi is not working, she loves to curl up with a great
book, or golf and laugh with her family and special friends.
Her latest book RESTLESS FOR MORE: Fulfillment in Unexpected Places
(Including a FREE downloadable Study Guide) is now available at Amazon.ca;
Amazon.com, Goodreads.com or her website: www.heartconnection.ca
