Baby, it IS cold outside!
You know how to protect your body in the extreme cold, but do extra layers work for the soul?
The answer is yes, at least metaphorically.
Here are six options to keep your soul content during severely cold weather.
1.) Wear a new attitude. If you say, “I hate snow” as we move into mid-January, where is that going to go for you? No where fast. Drop the moan and groan. Even if it feels insincere at first, start saying aloud what you appreciate about winter.
2.) Get a snow dog. Seriously. My senior dog melts in the dog days of summer. He’s a sad heap in the heat. But he lives for—and loves—the winter. This past April, he rested in the northern shade on the last snow mound with a pout on his face for the weather to come. If you have a sled dog like this in your life, hot diggity, you will see winter in a whole new way.
3.) Like someone who loves winter. This is great one for those not in the market for a Siberian Husky or an Alaskan Malamute. I tell you, a winter lover’s enthusiasm is contagious.
4.) Buy a snowman before they’re taken off the shelves this season. Even if you’re not a person who collects stuff, put a snowman cookie jar, plate, or stuffed white buddy in plain sight and winter will seem different, better.
5.) Remember running to the classroom window during the first snowfall of the year? You’re still that same little girl or boy.
This is my best answer, and I saved it for last…
6.) Don’t just sit in the sun, sit with the Son. We pastors are always encouraging you to spend time with scripture because this honestly does help you. My favorite Bible interpretations have study guides. They are always cool. I mean…they can actually warm you up because guides to the Word help you see The Bigger Picture. With scripture assistance, you are able to journey further with a God who orders the stars and the moon, who knows the number of the grains of sand on a beach, and must know the number of snowflakes in the sky.
Even us winter lovers need to protect our souls during the dark and cold days because seasonal affective disorder, colloquially known as the winter blues, affects 10 million people every year.
I say that number is even higher. As a pastor, I see so many hibernate—or want to hibernate—during this season. Quiet time can be cathartic, but too many spend too much time alone, an outward sign of inward depression.
I gave you six options to guard your soul against the wind chill. Start with the Psalms as you visit scripture. You’ll appreciate the Creator’s handiwork. Reading or rereading the story about Jacob’s son Joseph (starting with Genesis chapter 37) can also help you understand seasons in your life.
And visit the nearby TRUE FRIENDS ANIMAL WELFARE CENTER if you’re thinking of the dog option.
(FYI: a few fav snow dog names are Blizzard, Burr, and Frost.)
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