winds of change
Anticipation - for dreams of better tomorrows; for family get togethers in the new season; for babies yet to be born; for Christmas presents under the tree to unwrap, and yet, here we are in the winter of our longings. We live each season, breathing the aromas they have to offer, taste the sweetness of the influences of each and savor the fragrance emitted into the air.
The wood burning fire, the turkey roasting in the oven, the crisp mountain air filling our lungs are a few of the sensations of this winter season. Ginger snaps and peppermint tingles our taste buds, hot chocolate with melted marshmallows burn the tip of our tongues and snuggling under fuzzy blankets on the couch listening to our favorite songs or watching Classics on our screens make us feel safe and cozy. Traditions, recipes, rituals of Christmas. What are some of yours?
Joan Borysenko is a scientist, mystic and therapist who describes the rituals we go through. “The seasonal rhythms correlate with our bodily rhythms.. Our dream life and inner life grow more insistent in the winter darkness… The old year is put to bed, one’s business is finished, and the harvest of spiritual maturity is reaped as wisdom and forgiveness. Winter, the season we are certainly engulfed in, is a time for resting, restoring and reflection.
As we put 2020 to bed; as we continue to watch humanity cry out; as we long for the winds of change to gently move through our world, we can take time to ponder, ask questions, decide on what to change and who to forgive. We see that there are many distractions that fight for our attention, but there is only One who can satisfy the thirst of our souls. He invites us to drink of the living water. “God is a mountain spring and not a watering trough…. he delights to overflow…God wants drinkers! People who will get down on their faces and satisfy their thirst with his love. He is liberal, generous… bountiful” John Piper
Christmas is when love came down and so let us - in whatever way we can and wherever we can - go and feed people with love - the world needs to taste and drink of it. Joyous Noel as we celebrate the greatest gift of love this season.
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:3-4