Winter... everything gets covered with a thick blanket of snow and all the beauty of the spring and summer and fall begin to die and go to sleep for long,(long) Wisconsin winter. Its beautiful really, the winter.
From my window and with a hot cup of coffee in my hand I can see the deer and small animals peek out from their warm shelter just long enough for a quick snack before they head back in again. We are a lot like that.... very similar to the animals seeking shelter when its cold.
Life can be confusing and our circumstances can certainly send us into a tailspin seeking shelter from the cold of rejection, loneliness, busyness or even despair. Who is the ONE watching through the glass as we peek out, braving the cold for a moment. Who is that for you? Who sees you? Who's looking?
Its been a particularly busy winter for our family. Getting ready for Shelby's Birthday in November, Thanksgiving,Romania planning and fundraising, Shawn and I were both sick all through November and stressed with facing a possible move to Savannah, Georgia. Then the bathtub upstairs doesn't drain and the remodel begins.... Christmas comes... What are we planning for, gifts or a menu or which family member causes the most trouble and how to avoid them? (scratches her head) Then tragedy strikes.
Over Christmas my dear friend, Stef, lost her uncle. She was able to be home in Wisconsin for a visit and blessed to be able to support her mother during this loss. Little did anyone know Stef's mother would pass in just a handful of days.... Completely unexpected and in her early 60s. When you get that call that your girlfriend is hurting something happens in that moment... you begin to hurt too. You share that burden and feel some of her pain. Its love that is the common factor and in relationships.... love can hurt. Stefanie doesn't cry at least not if she can help it at least not for herself. She is strong and bold(red head!)and simply is in Love with Christ and theres no denying that.
Her heart was broken although in the pain of losing her momma she got in the car and drove the 5 hours from Indiana to Mazomanie, Wisconsin ready to face her new reality and prepare to bury her momma too soon but just in time. It was the moment I walked into the Funeral home and saw her standing with her family and she noticed me and smiled that I saw her JOY! She radiated Christ for me in that moment.... and I knew where her strength came from. I experienced true LOVE in that exact moment. I wonder if anyone else saw what I saw or if that was simply a gift to me from Him... the ONE looking through the glass.
As I supported Stef and her family quietly in prayer and with just being there I experienced HIM. In the quiet and in the still. Stef was so brave and so bold and so genuine. The day her Joy was mixed up in her Sorrow.
No matter where we are and no matter how cold our circumstances, we are called to step out and be brave. Be BOLD. HE is not only watching He is also there with you. Holding your right hand so you will never be afraid and never be lonely.
When theres no possible way we can do it any longer HE provides a way. Just when you cant think of anyone to call on, HE is there. When your down to your last dime, HE provides. When a country seems so far away, HE gets you there.
Step out of your shelter, brave the cold be free and smile. Joy has found you at last.
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