Fighting the Winter

Help me remember, when I look at the snow, that it will melt and spring will come. Help me to cherish the sunshine when I have the opportunity to see it. Help me to notice that during this dormancy, there is growth happening just the same. Help me to see that it has it's own beauty... equal to what the beauty of spring is. Help me remember that what has died, both inside of me, and outside of me, will come to life again, in a new way, at the right time.

Help me remember that even though it's hard to endure the cold, the frigidness, the way this "winter" takes your breath away, there are often times that it's hard to endure heat as well. We are never satisfied in the moment. We always want something different than what we have. Help me to have gratitude for what I have. I have SO much more than I ever have wanted or needed... and so much grace has come with all that I have been given. I don't deserve it. I didn't earn it. I can't do "good" and make more "good" happen in my life. Really what it means is... I am blessed.

Help me to cherish those around me with a passionate heart. Help me to have compassion on those around me who are hurting and broken. Help me to love. Myself, my family, my friends, my enemies. Help me to remember that even in winter, there can be forgiveness. There can be hope. There can be life.

Help me to remember...