Winter Season or Season of Winter

2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I love winter, but not so much the winter seasons of life.

About a year ago, not knowing a pandemic was hurdling toward us, my siblings and I fretted over where our mom would live. After hospital stays and time spent in a nursing home, we pondered whether she should remain in the nursing facility, return to her current apartment, or live in an apartment next to our brother. The ultimate decision was up to Mom.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, my siblings and several of our children and grandchildren gathered at the apartment she lived in before the hospitalization. As we prayed for guidance, we packed all her earthly possessions and moved them to my brother’s home, still not knowing her final decision.

Thankfully, Mom moved to the apartment beside my brother just before the pandemic locked down the nursing home. God led us through this difficult winter season just as the door closed on any other possibilities.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote about the thorn in his flesh. In his winter season of life, something difficult plagued him. We aren’t told what the thorn was, only that he had something he referred to as a weakness and hardship. For Paul this must have weighed on him because he wanted nothing more than to serve Jesus. But even in his despair, he thanked God for his trials and claimed delight in his difficult times.

We all go though winter seasons in life. Being with mom through those difficult times of illness and decisions left us all worn and concerned. But Mom pulled through and celebrated her 94th birthday in January, in her new apartment.

The pandemic has been one long winter season for many of us. Prompted by Ann Voscamp’s book, I’ve been writing a list of 1,000 blessings. It’s a bit harder right now, but the list keeps me focused on my journey of gratitude for 2021.

Won’t you join me and seek the blessings, even in the seasons of winter.

Wisdom to Make a Choice

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Decisions can be difficult. How do I know the best thing to do, the best choice to make?

I’m slow when it comes to shopping for most anything.

And I try not to be an impulse buyer (except for maybe that tempting chocolate bar by the counter.)

If I’m considering a big purchase, I want every detail about the item before I make the final decision. I haven’t always been this way. But the older I get, the more I realize I need to weigh my options with care.

If I’m that mindful of the value of material items, how much more cautious should I be of life decisions?

The ones that affect my family and friends require great consideration. But where does the wisdom to make a choice come from?

True wisdom originates with God. Easy answer, but how do we as humans recognize our heavenly Father’s wisdom? Jesus’ brother James says heaven’s wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, kind, impartial, and sincere. In other words, God’s wisdom does no harm. His measuring stick has a bi-product of peace, consideration, and mercy.

Facts and information are great indicators that help weigh the pros and cons. But as a believer, I know God offers wisdom and understanding that’s more precious than any gold or silver. He wants me to make my choices with his input, through prayer and petition.

When you need to make a decision of any kind seek God’s wisdom and guidance.

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