Winter

I love this time of year. As I breathe in the cool air my lungs expand with its invigorating crispness, and my heart swells with delight at the sight of the sun twinkling through beautiful golden leaves, stirring within me a deep compelling need to praise God. Not long ago though, I was unable to see the beauty of the season or lift my heart up in praise to the One who created it. Not only was the season cold and dreary when Todd died, but my heart mimicked the season’s gloom with his passing. Snow covered the ground and rarely did the sun peak its face out from behind a blanket of gray clouds. The heaviness of my heart kept its sluggish beat with the bleakness of that first winter.

Fortunately, as another winter season rapidly approaches, I have noticed a significant change in myself. With a joyous heart I declare to you that I have put those days behind me. I am able to say with confidence that I have moved on, and I no longer carry my burden of grief. Now, when I look out at the barren trees and the gray sky, my heart lifts its song of thanksgiving to the faithful One who loved me through the darkest season of my life.

You may be wondering if you will ever lay your burden of grief down. I want to encourage you that yes, you will! If you are God’s child, you can rest assured that your time will come. Perhaps, it will be a gradual awakening, or maybe you will wake one morning and know in your heart that Joy has kissed Sorrow upon the cheek goodbye. Know this, when Joy at last arrives, you will have more room to embrace her than you had before, and her presence will fill the deep void Sorrow carved within your heart.

So, go ahead, rejoice right now in the assurance that your day will come.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ­— Psalm 30:5, KJV