Getting Through the Winter Blahs

Getting Through the Winter Blahs                                     February 20, 2022

“Timothy, make every effort to come (to me) before winter…” (II Timothy 4:21)

“But pray that your flight (from Jerusalem) may not be in the winter, …” (Matthew 24:20)

“And because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea  from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.” (Acts 27:12)      

“And perhaps I shall stay with you (brethren in Corinth), or even spend the winter, that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.” (I Corinthians 16:6)

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, Titus, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.” (Titus 3:12)

Apart from not being able to travel in winter storms we have the luxury of being able to go here, there, and everywhere during the winter.  But that was not the case in New Testament times as noted in the scriptures above.  It seems quite clear that during the apostle Paul’s day winters found him staying in a certain city until the following spring. 

My mother loved the winter and the times it would snow.  She never got tired of looking out the window during a snowfall and wasn’t eager for the arrival of spring as most are.  In my opinion, most people prefer spring, summer or fall than winter.

I enjoy the arrival of winter like I do the arrival of our grandkids but after a long visit, I’m okay with their departure.  Winter is cold, daylight hours are shortened and I feel tired and ready for bed when it’s only 6-7pm.  Then, by the end of January, I begin having the “winter blahs.”  Do you know that feeling?

Here are some suggestions to help us get through those times:

• Remember that winter is necessary in God’s plan for the earth.  He designed its existence.  It has a God-given purpose.  The earth rests during the winter
• Look for the beauty in a snowflake as everyone is different.  Enjoy a good snowfall as the earth needs that moisture for the following spring
• Take it easy, relax and rest from your labours so that you’ll have the necessary energy to get right back at it in the spring
• Enjoy your garden catalogues & make plans.  Get excited; get eager; anticipate; focus on the future months
• See God’s grace & forgiveness in the snow covered earth as seen in the verse, “though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).”
• Like death, winter is only temporary.  Something better is just around the corner.  Focus on what is yet to come while still enjoying the present
• In the meantime, whenever you get tired, slow down, take it easy and catch up on some much needed rest.  You’ll need all the energy you can get for what is yet to come

Our “winter blues” attitude can change if we focus more on the good of the winter rather than on the fact that it’s so cold, dark, and miserable.  Go for walks more often.  Follow animal tracks in the snow.  Go ice fishing.  Throw a few snowballs at non-human items.  Get real cold so that when you come home to a warm house you’ll be so grateful for it.  Enjoy your cup of hot chocolate.

Brian Thompson