A new truth came alive to me tonight. Well at least a new truth to me. Many have probably come to know this truth at some point or other in their own life. But each truth comes to us uniquely at just the right moments in whatever seasons we are facing. So to me, this truth came in a winter analogy as I am facing what seems to be a wintery season. And how fitting it is as it is currently winter where I live.
As I stood eyes closed about to receive prayer from the young adults lead pastor, I catch a glimmer of light reflect off what I assume is a guitar (since the worship leaders were setting up for worship in that moment) and it instantly takes me to the thought of the sunlight reflecting off of the wavy waters of a lake. And it’s as if I am there, back to the summery days of sitting on the dock catching the warmth of some rays, with my toes submerged in the lukewarm water. I start to long for it. But I am quickly brought back to reality as I realize it is just the beginning of winter and I am far from those peaceful summer days. I can’t be thinking like this now, I will just sink myself further into a depression if I do.
With eyes still closed, half listening to the prayer being spoken, the image of me on the dock with my toes in the water slowly starts to change. Everything gets a little bit whiter rather than having the golden glow of summer. Crashing waves beneath my feet are now stilled into rock solid ice. And what once were bare feet are now snuggly laced up in ice-skates. I am all bundled up in the warmest clothes and puffed up in a large coat. No longer is this winter looking to be like such a downer, not when you can find at least one thing to find joy in in the midst of it.
And then I recall a peaceful sweet testimony from a dear friend of mine. It was there on that solid ice that she gave her life to Christ. She had told me of a time long ago where she got away on that ice to have a moment of reflection and praise and just talking to Jesus. In the midst of the bitter cold of winter, she had found a moment of joy that would change her life forever. Even though my friend is gone, her testimony still lives on. And it’s as if it is beckoning me to join in; to find my joy in the midst of the bitter cold. It’s as if my friend is beckoning me to come join her. But not only her; Jesus is beckoning me as well.
I sit at the edge of the dock and I sense I am not the only one there. I look over and see Jesus all bundled up as well. His skates all snug and tight ready, with anticipation, to get out on the ice. He looks at me and asks, “Are you ready to skate? Will you join me on the ice? Ill even teach you to dance out there!” “Yea Jesus, I’m ready to skate. I’m ready to dance with You,” I reply.
I want you to know that no matter how bitter and cold your winter season may seem, there is always a way to find joy in the midst of it. It may feel as if your world is falling apart and that the cold has sucked out all the hope you had, but just know that hope is found in trusting Him. He is beckoning you to trust Him on the ice. It won’t be easy, because if you are anything like me when it comes to skating, you will fall flat on your face and wobble around as you try to keep your balance. But all the while He will be with you, hand reaching down to help you up again and steady you. And once you’ve gotten the hang of it, He will then teach you to dance. He will teach you the way of joy in the midst of your winter season. It is possible my friends, it just takes time. And a whole lot of trusting in the Lord. Even when it doesn’t make sense, He will make sense of it all. Even when it hurts like hell, He will make it well with your soul.
Keep skating my friends. And eventually you will even learn to dance on the ice.
May God bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you in this winter season. And may you learn the way of joy as you stay in His presence.
God bless you,
Love,
theblessingsgirl
theblessingsgirl 