We are in the midst of winter. It really hasn’t been a bad winter as far as weather goes, but it sure has seemed to be a long dark winter – anyone with me? I used to love winter. When Bill and I lived in the UP winter was great. If it wasn’t snowing, the sun was shining, and it was very cold. I loved to walk at night in those days because with clear skies and the moon reflecting off the snow, night was so beautiful and peaceful. But this winter has been dark, little sunshine and my mood has followed along.
I can’t do anything about the sunshine, but I can do something about my mood, I have the power to change that. So, here is my prescription for the midwinter blues. If you find yourself there, it might help you as well.
First, I started to count my blessings – yes, it’s an oldie but a goodie. I started to thank our Father for the beauty and wonderful things and people around me. I thank God for my family, my co-workers (yes, even Bob), and my home. I thank God for the food on our table, for my beautiful puppy, for two new sons-in-law, for my redemption, for God’s grace and mercy, and the list continues. I push myself to read my list everyday and add three new things I’m grateful for.
Second, I have started to look throughout my day to where God may be adding to those blessings and where I might contribute to someone else’s blessings. I have had the privilege of buying lunch for a stranger, visiting an elderly woman of Orchard Hill and taking in tea, helping a friend start to find employment, reconnecting with an old friend, writing cards of encouragement, and supporting co-workers in ministry (yes, even Bob).
Third, I’ve been looking for ridiculous things that happen during the day for which I can laugh about. Laughter is good for the soul and sometimes instead of becoming annoyed or frustrated I’ve decided to laugh. Little things like Mike not being ready when I think he should be ready, laughing to myself thinking, “typical Mike”. Mike bringing a prayer card into my office that he said was important and upon looking at it, finding it was card a child used to doodle on during church. But to Mike it was important. Someone wrote on it, so he and I prayed over it. So, Jeff with the phone number (999)-999-9999, you have been prayed for. I’m finding that putting on a pair of rose-colored glasses and laughing, instead of letting frustration build and annoyance build into anger, has helped to lift my heart and mood.
As Al says, “spring is just around the corner but until it gets here, I’ll continue to work at chasing the winter blues away. Come on, join with me.” Together maybe we can make the Son shine a little for West Michigan.
Pastor Kathy Bartels
