As winter slowly creeps in, the animals hide away or flee completely, and plants and trees wither, dormant for the harsh months ahead; a reflective mood begins to take over my mind. I cannot help but wonder about the things of the past and the possibilities of the future.

When snow begins to flurry, nostalgic warmth covers my heart. A feeling that is not connected to any particular memory or holiday, but instead one that encompasses all of the happy feelings of the past.

There is something purposeful about how the world goes to sleep during the winter, only to bloom in fragrant beauty when Spring comes again.

Our hearts need that time, too. The time to lie dormant, restful, while cold winds of the past sneak up on us, causing us to shudder and soft snow blankets us, protecting our hearts for what is next.

But as in Winter, we wait expectantly for Spring, we can wait in the same eager anticipation for our hearts to thaw and life to Spring forth.

God has not forgotten about your heart, my friend with the dormant, wintery heart. Immerse yourself in this time of rest and reflection. pressing into him, letting him cover you with the soft, beautiful snow of his love.

It won’t be easy. There will be icy moments, and times when everything takes just a little more out of you to get from one place to the next. But when Spring rises from the once cold ground, it will all have been worth it. The sights, colors, and smells that surround you will be even more magnificent because you’ve rested in Him, earnest for it to come.