There is a chill in the air.  It is the breath of “old man winter” blowing softly in.  I am not sure if I am ready to welcome this change but yet, my readiness doesn’t prevent its coming.  I haven’t been prepared for many things in my life.  Still, they came ready or not.

The seasons are God’s gentle reminders that life is not intended to be stagnant.  It is meant to change and transform.  The living and growth often follows times of death and slumber.  Winter precedes spring.  Nature is His handiwork and a testimony to our hearts of His presence in all of creation.  Its wonder surrounds and yet, we still miss its grand design.

We live our lives so busy insisting we must do and be more than He ever destined for us.  I wonder how many times we have ventured far off the trail He has placed before our feet.   We find ourselves caught in the whir of a life out of control.  It is our doing, not His.  In His plan falls a rhythm, a season of sorts.  In ours, the cadence runs sporadic and wild.  Rest becomes elusive and purpose is disoriented.

We begin to lose ourselves.

Even more tragic, we begin to lose our sight of Him.

 You never go away from us, yet we have difficulty in returning to You.   Come, Lord, stir us up and call us back. Kindle and seize us. Be our fire and our sweetness. Let us love. Let us run. 

St Augustine

Come sweet winter winds remind us with your breath that even in stark and barren moments, His hand still moves and His heart can still be found.  Draw us back from wild chaos and into the gentle rhythm of His grace.