Always Winter, Never Christmas
The idea that we have seasons of life came from a discussion with some good friends. We were talking about the ups and downs of the Christian life, especially as it concerned time spent developing our personal relationship with Christ. My good friend talked about the winter season of her life when that relationship time is hard. For her it was a matter of recognizing the season and working through it to change. I appreciated that idea a lot and thought, in connection to the new sermon series, to draw it out some. My experience (note the emphasis, please) in the Christian life has also been one of ups and downs. And my experience is that the downs are mostly self-inflicted. As much as I'd like to be honest Lucy, I seem to relate more to troubled Edmund who fills himself on stuff he knows isn't good for him putiing himself in the wrong place...again. The reminder that God's grace in Jesus can thaw my winter and draw me back into the warmth of a true relationship with him is so important. And for me, having people to speak and show that reminder is crucial. Come, Springtime. Come, Lord Jesus. -Joel
Friday night the town my parents live in had this tree lighting ceremony. The snow was gently falling and I had layered like the true minnesotan I've become. I enjoyed that night. Many in my family just wanted to go home - they were cold, they hadn't dressed in layers. Perhaps to extend this metaphor of sorts, maybe there is something to be said about their preparation?
I might be going out on a literary limb here but I find the imagery of heading through the wardrobe much like the decision to explore my relationship with God and how others play a role in that. So far its the others in my life that have thawed my heart to searching God's word and meaning for my life. I find that lately the more inclined I am to listen to those people warmed by God's presence in their life - the more thawed my heart becomes.
Having spent a weekend surrounded by several wintery people - it is really easy for those distractions, that coldness, to seep in and zap out the warmth.
Eccl. 4:11 If two will lie down together they will keep warm but how can one keep warm alone?
Perhaps its all in the action? Even seemingly alone in this world we still have God to work with us, in us, to create warmth. (Comment this)