Mid-Winter

It is the middle of winter and each day, there is a likelihood of cold, snow, cold, overcast skies and the winter feeling in our hearts. At this time of year we perk up when we hear that someone has made soup or chili (even if it is pot roast chili). We don't have a taste for a BLT or lemonade but something hot and in a cozy bowl.
We think this comfort food will warm our bodies. In the same way, our hearts long to be warmed. We want to warm our feet by the fire and be held by someone who loves us. In the middle of winter…sometimes we must be patient and glad friends will stand in for the "fire warming" loved one.
In the middle of winter, we sometimes make hard decisions that break even our own heart. We release the one we are warming ourselves with in hopes of a Spring thaw. We trust God and expect the spring to bring a healed state from the winter. Sometimes it does and then other times…..
….if we make mistakes in the winter, we have to trust that God is big enough to correct it or change it or make something new of it... in the Spring.
As the winter drags on, chili or soup, fire or not, ... we must remember that our friends can make really good stand in’s and this is why they are our close friends.