Winter.
In many parts of the world it is the season of rest. Nature hibernates or slows.
Our winter in northern California has yet to fully rest. Today I took a walk in a warm sunshine that felt like spring, thankful while being hopeful for the blessings of rain and rest.
Seasons are unpredictable, not up to us. Gifts from the Creator, they come and bring what they have.
I remember visiting a small Amish bakery in Missouri when my children were young. It was a sweltering summer day, and as we stepped into the warm darkness of the little bakery, my son exclaimed to an elder Amish man, “It’s hot!”
The man smiled and said, “We take the blessing of each day. Without the warmth we would not have the grain to bake the bread.”
I’m learning to live in the uncertain–in nature’s seasons and life–with a blend of acceptance and expectation.
With thankfulness and with hope.
Each day made by God a day to be thankful for. Psalm 118:24
This woman—her name is Edna—has a beauty and wisdom to her story that I can learn from.
The time in my life had been extremely difficult, and my body was physically and severely responding to the stress. A friend stopped by my house to share a gift of encouragement. With it came this quote:
