February

I love February. It has nothing to do with the fact that, because of Valentines Day, it is considered the month of love. The reason I love February is because, after nearly 2 months of cold, gray, icy, wet weather, we get to see a glimpse of Spring. The temperature is slightly warmer. The sun, previously hidden behind the dark storm clouds of winter, finally peeks through and slowly starts to melt away the icy cold. Life starts to happen. The buds on the trees are getting slightly bigger and the crocus, tulips and daffodils seem to peek their way through the soil. Spring is on the horizon.

The boys and I have taken advantage of the spring like weather here. We spent yesterday afternoon running through the foothills of Boise and exploring the new life all around us. It was both invigorating and energizing and a much needed break from the cold winter weather. It gave me a renewed hope that winter won't be around for much longer. Spring is on the way and with it comes sunshine and warmer days.

As I was pondering our time yesterday, I realized that this is very much like life. We go through many different seasons in life, and they seem to relate in some ways to Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Yes, even Winter, unfortunately there is no exception made for this season. Winter seems to be the hardest season. The season where you might feel like the storms of life are beating you down; where you feel like if there is one more storm you just might not make it. This is the season where you just want to hunker down and get through.

But there is hope! God gives us a February in our personal season of winter. A time where we see a glimpse of better days ahead. A glimpse of a new life that somehow renews that energy within us and helps us finish off our last days of winter.

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."