When Winter Arrives......

Today winter has arrived in Tulsa. In Tulsa we get ice before we get snow, the joy of living on the edge of the weather fronts that pass through the mid-west. So winter has arrived with cold, freezing rain and dark - no sun. I am a sun person so when we have too many days without sun I can get down, not depressed but down. You can call it the blues, I guess. I hate winter. Hate is maybe too strong a word. Let's just say that winter is my LEAST FAVORITE time of the year. However, there are things to learn during winter and only during winter that are worth talking about.

First of all there are all kinds of winters in life. The "winter" when you can't figure out what is going on. Nothing is moving and you're not sure why. Then there is the "winter" when everything seems to go haywire. There are also economic winters, social winters and even health winters. Winters can bring disappointment, and disappointment is common to all of us.

WINTER always follows HARVEST. Therefore, we must learn how to handle difficulties; they always comes after opportunity.

James 1:2-4 v2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. v3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. v4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

We must learn to handle recessions; they come right after expansions. That isn't going to change. The big question is what do you do during winters in your life? Here are three suggestions.

1. You can get stronger;
Galatians 6:9 LITV But we should not weaken in doing good, for in due time we shall reap, if we do not faint.

2. You can get wiser;
Ephesians 5:15-17 NASB v15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, v16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. v17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

3. You can get better.

Remember that trio of words: stronger, wiser, better. The winters won't change, but you can."Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom." By Mr. Shoaff

And by the way, put on a sweater, start a fire in the fireplace, bake some cookies and remember spring will come. No matter how hard it snows or how cold it gets, Spring will come.