Enduring

I have read many posts lately about the icy fingers of winter that are starting to choke and strangle out all signs of life within the inhabitants of the land.

Winter has flung her fury down from the skies as of late. Piling up mounds of powder fresh snow, blowing winds that cause the land to become one with the horizon. Reeking havoc on schedules and routine.

This is winter. This is a season of predictable unpredictability. As I sat grumbling, wishing away the day because I could not stand the thought of another just like it, God quietly and gently reminded me that this is Lent. A spiritual journey that leads us through the blizzards, the deserts, the barren lands into the paradise awaiting us.

I don't want it to be cold and dreary and blow-y...but I will appreciate the thaw and the melt and the new life that much more having come from such a place. I can not imagine Lent having the same effect for me if the sun was shining and the temperatures were pleasant. Being Jesus for my family was so much easier while out shoveling our snow packed and drifted drive-way. And seeing Jesus was so much easier when the neighbor boys piled out of their house on their 'snow day' to help me.

I wonder if sipping tea under the sun in my yard swing would have the same spiritual affect. Probably not. That day will come. God has promised us that. Right now He asks us to walk this walk with Him. To endure a bit more than we'd like to. To tolerate a bit more than is comfortable. To stretch ourselves a bit farther than what is easy.