winter

It seems silly to be writing about winter this evening as I sit here in my warm house, trying to cool it off from the day's high temperature of 106 degrees. But winter has been on my mind lately.

Last year brought lots of change for our little family and this next year will bring even more. I would say that I've had a 'noisy soul' most of this year with lots of questions. I like answers. I like to know where I'm going and why. I'm the kind of mom who covers all her bases when we load up in the car with no one being hungry and everyone having used the potty -- the works. No surprises here. I guess I'm admitting that I'd like my life to run this way, too.

So, back to winter...I read something once in a book about what happens in a vineyard through all 4 seasons. The section on winter was my favorite. I wish I could find the book so I could quote from it, but it's packed away in a box. This is essentially what it said...It's unrealistic for a Christian to think that he'll go through life always thriving, always producing. If he enters into what seems like an especially dry or difficult season, there is much work being done under the surface. Life still remains, but stillness and quietness are what revive a vine or, in this case, a life. Don't quote me, but I'm pretty sure there is not one thing in nature that lives in a constant state of producing. What kind of fruit would a vine yield if it was always producing and never resting?

And so it is with spiritual life. I need this stillness, this rest. Sometimes I'm aware of it and I slow down on my own. But sometimes God gently leads me into this quiet place because He loves me and He wants me to be still before Him so I can produce good fruit. This is where I am right now. I think my 'noisy soul' is being quieted. I know this because I have fewer questions. 

"...Still, I notice you
When branches crack...

What was frozen through 
Is newly purposed, turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new."

--Nichole Nordeman 
"Every Season"