[written over two days]
Do you ever long for long days of rest, relaxation, reflection, and simply days without structure and much responsibility? Then, when those days come, you want to hold on and absorb every moment. That has been my Christmas-transformed-into-winter break!
It’s hard to even know where to begin! So…I escaped to our upstairs above the garage for extra quiet…and a wonderful prayer time…contemplating the year that just passed with thanksgiving, and reflecting on the first week of this new year.
The old year passed with laughter, prayer, and abundance. This new year has begun with laughter, prayer, and abundance. I am in awe of The Master’s goodness. I sometimes feel like a broken record here, but I hope I communicate clearly, even if repeatedly, that God is good…and worthy of celebrating.
[Note: When I say abundance, I want to emphasize that abundance comes in so many forms…family, friends, food, clothing, shelter, etc. I never want to fail to recognize that, even in seasons of less, we often have more than many.]
A Year in Review:
The year started out with Steve still off work and healing from bicep surgery; and I was preparing to open my little shop (which happened on February 29th). In March, Steve had sinus surgery, and continued to be off work up until he was ready for early retirement in May. I just knew he had been ready for a while. Sometimes, things don’t logically, or culturally, make sense; but when you know, you know…and you just may need to take that leap of faith and allow God to pave [the rest] of the way. Up to this point, he is still happy with his decision…and God has been faithful in all of these things. As for the shop, it has continued to build…slow building was a perfect way for me to adjust; and I am beyond grateful.
You may remember that, at the beginning of last year, I went on a little annual retreat and God helped me to see that when I prayed for something, my faith was a little weak (or more than a little). I began to exercise my faith more…praying AND believing…asking Him to help any doubt or unbelief. I have been truly amazed by the number of recognizable answered prayers! Those prayers and answers have continued through the entire year and into the new year. He is so faithful.
A Brand New Year:
These first seven days of the new year have been so full that it truly seems like it has been longer than one week…full of laughter and joy. We began the year with a day at home. Initial intentions were to have a country-style meal with all the “fixin’s”…beans and cornbread, pork, potatoes, and cabbage; but we started with so many leftovers from New Year’s Eve and before, that we decided to enjoy those in an effort to be less wasteful…so that meal is on hold—but I’m still looking forward to it! By day two, we headed north for a short trip. This is usually the approximate time of my annual retreat, but I had decided after my trip in August that I would forgo it this year. (Steve said he missed my mouth around the house during the last trip!) Instead, he decided that he’d like for us both to go…so…we went together.
I was pleased by the amount of snow we had the privilege to enjoy while we were there. (I truly feel God works it out so well that it is a gift from Him especially for me.) We still were able to get out and do a little shopping, but the view and the snow were both incredible. The roads did get a little iffy at a few points, but thankfully, we made it safely back to the room, and then home just in time to prepare for the blissful snowstorm that awaited!
When a snowstorm is impending, there are quite possibly almost equal amounts of excitement and uncertainty. I love the snow, but would like to have heat…and definitely want the same for others…and also DEFINITELY want to stay home…and the same for others. I want a real amount of snow that brings back wonderful childhood memories, and a slowing in your soul that you didn’t even know you needed. I want the electric to stay intact for us, for others, and for those who would have to be out and about working on the damaged lines (my son-in-law included!).
So, we prepared ourselves…
We checked out the wood burner that we hadn’t used in a while. We brought wood into the breezeway. We brought bread and orange juice back home with us from our trip. (We already had milk.) Sunday morning, we watched to see how soon the storm would hit; and decided to head on to church…on a prayer and in a Suburban (4-wheel drive!)…already deciding to come home right after and not eat out to make sure we weren’t caught out in any blinding snow-travel. It was practically perfect. The snow started just as we began the trek back home, and continued and continued…and continued!
I said all of that to say this…
We had decided to wait until Sunday morning to evaluate the situation of the snowstorm before we made our final decisions for Sunday morning. We had planned to go to church with our daughter to celebrate the launch of a new church plant (a branch from our church) that she and her husband will be a part of; and then consider eating out with them. It would start an hour later than our normal service time, so that had to be taken into consideration.
Early that morning, I opened a book I had been reading and was almost immediately reminded to ““Be still, and know that I am God!…”” [Psalms 46:10 NLT] …with a reminder to trust Him for protection…not that I want to be silly or test Him…but to rely on Him. He has brought me so far in this trust, but when we get our thoughts on the circumstances—or possible circumstances, we can use a reminder. He is faithful to do that when we are open and seeking Him.
After discussing and considering, we decided to go on to church and was so thrilled to see old friends and new, and enjoy celebrating this momentous occasion that only God in His infinite power could have orchestrated. (That is a story in itself!).
And, the snow…that “real amount” that brought back those childhood memories, along with a little nostalgic longing for a bit, and some high-stepping treks across some deep, snow-covered terrain to tend to some chores…it is yet another reminder of God’s amazing power and faithfulness. It brings a slowing, a calming, and a peace…not only as it falls, but as it blankets the ground in white, letting us not forget that there is beauty in each season. I am reminded of His faithfulness, His gifts, and His blessings in the past and the present…and I can count on His faithfulness forevermore.
““He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power.”
Job 37:6-7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/job.37.6-7.NLT
This week, my plans were to begin to focus on some new year’s plans and personal goals…and think toward things related to getting back to work later this week; but I was reminded of this verse and that God directs the snow…and works it out that we may sit back on occasion, watch His power, and simply enjoy. So my winter break is extended. I am excited…and in my heart, I am celebrating.
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
Psalm 37:3-5 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.37.3-5.ESV
I hope you enjoy the snow this season!🩶
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 