Winter of the soul…

My eyes scan the scenery…a heavy gray sky hovers low over gnarly, twisted trees once lush and full of life.  Today these trees stand naked, exposed: ugly and vulnerable. 

A few bits of dead foliage cling for dear life to bare branches hoping to relive more fruitful days.

Strange… my soul feels completely at home in these surroundings today. 

You too?

The trees and bushes have nothing left to offer.  All is dried up, lying shriveled and crisp on the cold ground.  Melancholy swirls as the wind stirs the stiff branches.  Once upon a time, leaves danced and sang when the breeze whistled through them.  Today the rigid twigs act embarrassed at the movement that calls attention to their barrenness. They would prefer to blend into the background, unnoticed.  Gloom drips from the cloudy sky like rain.

And yet, as I walk I see things…things I’ve never been able to see before.  My view through the woods is unhindered allowing me to see yards further than usual. During previous walks I’ve heard the mysterious sound of water rushing, but until today I

could never see its source. With all the fluff gone, I meet a quaint little creek tucked snuggly into the hillside as it meanders over rocks; and another and another…each landscape more picturesque than the last.

So yes while all is bare, it’s also simple, and in a strange way refreshing.  No use trying to hide anything.  All covering has slipped to the ground or been blown away by the winds.  Suddenly, the panorama takes on a fresh and freeing kind of beauty: a humble, no pretense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of…what’s the word… ah, splendor!

As I walk, my senses begin to recover from the shock of the barren scene.  Suddenly, my breath catches. I notice that all is not completely void of life and lush.   Clustered here and there, scattered below the stiff branches puff pockets of bright green!

Tears puddle in the corner of my eyes as I consider the possibility. Could it be that God is doing the same in my life?  Could there indeed be new life exposing itself in the seeming deadness of my winter soul? 

That hopeful idea leads me like a sign marker down a trail of thought that puts a spring in my step.  On the surface, winter appears unresponsive and lifeless.  All seems lost, but in reality intricate, vital work is happening below the surface to ensure a splendid spring and following.

Like bringing my mind’s camera into focus I understand more clearly now the same is true in my own life.  Scripture teaches such.  Our lives must be pruned to bear much fruit.  Times of vulnerability and barrenness precede lavish seasons.

So, for today I will rest in the stark monochromatic scene.  I will take the time to look deeply into the woods of my heart, for today I am able to see without obstruction further than ever before.  I will embrace the stillness and trust my Creator for the growth and fruitfulness to follow.

Sweet peace to you today ~ Love

Rebecca