This is just my opinion: It seems that summertime naturally brings about frivolity and lightness, while winter’s chill draws lengthy the cares of the heart and the concerns of the mind. We all seem to be waiting for warm weather and brighter days. Does it seem that way to you?
Our natural man doesn’t need much help to be discontent and discouraged. Elyse Fitzpatrick says that our hearts are “idol factories,” and I tend to agree. We are so easily persuaded by gloomy skies and restricting temps. We look to “the next thing,” the next vacation, the next purchase, to get us over the proverbial hump of winter blues. The flesh is so quick to seek comfort in anything (circumstances, friends, good news, indulgences…) other than the “living water” that satisfies. “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)
I want to be anticipating today; not waiting. I think there’s a difference. Anticipation expects goodness and looks to with joy. Waiting places the emphasis on the here and now…the current discontent…the feeling of being stuck until something changes. While that may be true of your circumstances or mine this day, we can still choose to anticipate the faithfulness of the Lord and his provision in all things, not the least of which is our soul’s satisfaction in Christ.
The clouds are breaking up this morning, but the weather man reports of another storm rolling in this afternoon. Yet, we serve the One who calms the storms and provides refuge for our hearts: “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” (Isaiah 25:4)
May we be in anticipation today, not merely waiting for the snow the clear, but actively looking for the new buds of Spring.
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I am anticipating coming home to you this afternoon! Love the thoughts.
Age makes a difference. I find that more and more I just enjoy the season and time I am in. Winter for me is a cozy time, time for getting to teach the boys and enjoying the snowstorms. Life goes by SO quickly and though I really long for heaven, I don’t want to miss the ‘now’ by always anticipating the next thing. This truly is the day the Lord has made and we can rejoice and be glad in it.
Thank you for this perspective, Vicki! I think we do learn, as we go, to not waste the present, whatever it holds.
That was such an encouragement to me, during this season in time and in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. Praise God for your life and ministry.
I guess I’ve always loved winter more than summer–I’d be happy if it never got about 70 degrees. I’d much prefer to curl up with a book than go on a hike (especially when you have to go at 6AM during the summer here…). I like my winter wardrobe and burning candles, I like soups and stews, clouds and snow, lots of blankets… When August rolls around, I’m always anticipating those first cooler days!
There are so many lovely things about winter! And, aren’t we finicky, since most of us long for warmer days just to complain that it’s too hot, and we want Fall to arrive!
I don’t know about you, but being one who much rather have my baby in arms rather than in the womb… I really had to discipline my mind to be “anticipating” while my body was heavy with “wait.” =)
Though I wasn’t specifically thinking of the pregnancy when writing this post, I do sympathize completely!
In case my comment seems a bit random: I was reflecting on how different last winter was for me when I was pregnant. =)
No, not random at all…it was a poignant reminder to not waste my time now just “waiting.”