Yesterday was the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere. It was also winter solstice. Interesting that the beginning of winter also marks the beginning of longer daylight. As we enter the time of dark and frozen quiet, the days begin to lengthen, so gradually that most of us don’t notice until the morning when we wake up and see the dawn.
I have been touched by many blog posts in recent days about the grief of Christmas instead of the joy. For many people, the holidays mark experiences and anniversaries of loss, betrayal, loneliness, poverty, stress, and despair. My heart breaks open in witness to so much pain.
And yet, within the pain is promise. A friend once said that winter is when the earth is pregnant. What appears to be dead is quietly preparing to burst forth with life. As Bambi’s mother assured him, winter does not last forever.
So it is with the seasons of our lives.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5
"And yet, within the pain is promise."...amen...ever praying for His Wisdom to see as I should. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your steps to happiness...powerful! I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteMiss Pancakes, Welcome! Thanks for following!
ReplyDeleteThanks to both of your for your comments.
So much promise in the light, and yet sometimes we just love rolling around in the dark. It can feel so good to draw the covers up and stay still, when there is so much growing going on inside and harnesses to mend and rigging to repair. One need make the warmth; easier to hope someone else with do it.
ReplyDeleteGentle good words here - thank you
Christmas is the time NOT to "mark experiences and anniversaries of loss, betrayal, loneliness, poverty, stress, and despair." It is a time to celebrate life. Celebrate life.
ReplyDeleteIt's encouraging to know the days are getting longer.
ReplyDeleteNever gave thought that "the earth is pregnant". I like that!
Merry Christmas!
I'm so enjoying your posts. I feel bad for the folks who have such sadness at Christmas time. I'm sure your posts do help others.
ReplyDeleteI have really noticed a lot of sadness this year...
ReplyDeleteI miss my brother every holiday season but I must pretend...for the little ones...it is about celebrating new life.