From J.B.: As we transition from fall into winter, I wanted to share this beautiful post written by my dear friend, Jan Liscom. It is from the Beach Walk Ministries Facebook page. If you have already seen it, I hope you’ll agree it’s worth reading twice.
I’m sure many of you are busy planning Thanksgiving meals or Thanksgiving trips. Enjoy! I would also encourage you to plan a window of time before this holiday weekend is over—time to breathe and to be still— before we all plunge headlong into the month of December. And let’s spend some of that quiet time focusing on gratitude. Wishing every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14
Autumn. I love the rich orange and red of the leaves. I love the crunchiness as I walk upon the ones that have floated and gathered on the ground. I love the cool freshness of the air and a warm sip of deliciousness from a beautiful teacup.
Yesterday I had an adventure at Corky Canvas that resulted in the painting displayed in the photo below. I was in an especially autumn mood, yet one foot was lingering in the passing days of summer warmth and freedom. So, I chose to create teacups, thinking of cold winter day warm-ups ahead, in summer colors reminding me of sunny days and watery waves lapping about my feet.
As the world transitions from gorgeous greens to blazing, fiery colors, I anticipate the upcoming cold, dark, deadness of the winter earth. The fiery leaves accompany the slowing of sap in the trees and the slowing of energy in my body follows along. I, too, want to be quiet and still for a season. I welcome the change, despite the fact that I know the cold and the dark will be difficult to bear at times.
In that quiet and cold, I tend to curl up with my teacup of deliciousness (for me it’s perfectly brewed tea or hot chocolate or apple cider, but you can imagine your favorite) and have a cozy time with God. Time to pray or sing or read His words. Time to reflect and ponder who He is and what He might be trying to tell me.
I find winter an easier time to be still and wait for the Lord. I guess that’s why I do not mind the transition into winter darkness. The coziness and quiet invites intimacy with Jesus, the light of the world. Light can shine brightly in the darkness. So I’ll sit and cozily wait in the dark and the quiet of winter to hear from my God. My heart will find courage and strength to journey on with His light leading me.
I encourage you, on the next frosty morning or blustery evening, to make a warm cup of deliciousness and curl up to wait for the Lord.
Jan “Falph“
