The view out our windows has not been inspiring of late.
Swaths of flat gray clouds hover overhead, sometimes dipping low to drape gauze in the treetops.
Tangles of bare tree branches claw at the sky.
And where flowers swayed in the sunshine last summer, straggly twigs stand forlornly, grieving their former beauty.
But amidst all this gloom and dormancy, God is at work–behind the scenes.
For example:
- Many plants require a season of rest.
All summer long perennials labor to create flowers that in turn attract pollinators. They also spend the long, warm days developing seeds, in preparation for the following spring.
Come fall, these plants pour their energy into root growth.
Now, during the quiet winter months of inactivity, they enjoy a much-needed rest.
(One of our hydrangea bushes at rest!)
- Plants benefit from snow.
The soft covering (with its air pockets between the flakes) insulates plants from the harm of frigid temperatures.
Melting snow in spring provides the extra hydration plants need for the accelerated growth process of the season.
- Seeds benefit from snow.
A period of moist, cold weather is essential for some varieties of seeds to germinate in the spring.
Winter is not a mistake, a season God forgot to adorn. Winter has purpose.
It’s just that we can’t see what he’s up to.
But come spring? Then we’ll see the benefits of winter in a magnificent display of glorious splendor!
Perhaps you are enduring a season of winter in the circumstances of your life.
It’s not a mistake, God has not forgotten (Psalm 9:10).
This season does have a purpose (Psalm 138:8a), it’s just that you might not be able to see what he’s up to.
Even in the middle of bleak, colorless winter, we are confident that spring will come, aren’t we.
And even in the middle of bleak, colorless circumstances, we can stand confident with the psalmist, because:
“You, [God], will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
I will praise you with the harp
For your faithfulness.”
–Psalm 71:20b-22a
* * * * *
(Information about the value of winter for plants came from “4 Reasons to Celebrate Your Garden in Winter” on http://www.houzz.com.)
Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg (3), http://www.wallpapersmela.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org.)
From the Inside Out 
Hi nancy. I found you on here randomly but i am from good shepherd umc wpb. I love your blog. Gail
Hello, Gail! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. So glad you love the blog; I’m praising God for his inspiration!
Oh, your words and photos give me hope for spring. I was so excited to see daffodils in Atlanta yesterday on our way to Florida. HOPE!!
Daffodils already? Spring really IS on its way! ‘Hope you enjoy every sunny moment in Florida!
Nancy, your beautiful descriptions and words of encouragement are such a blessing. Thank you. Love to you and Steve.
Thank you, Ruth. So glad you found encouragement and blessing here. Praise God!
How timely and well said. I shared this with our pastor’s wife since our church is going through a tough time right now. But God’s hand is in it and will see us through, and this too shall come to pass. Thanks for your wisdom!
“God’s hand is in it and will see us through”–so true. You’ll have to let us know just HOW he sees you through. We love miracle stories here!
Love this… I’ve been there in those winter seasons of despair… What great hope we have!! Our God is fighting for us!! Thanks again for this beautiful reminder!!❤️
Indeed, Lisa, you ARE a voice of experience who knows: “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Praise God for your strong faith that manifested itself in hope and perseverance during some very tough times. Love to you, dear friend! Missing you much already…
Nancy, I LOVE this.
Thank you, Julia! Praise God for his inspiration!
A refreshingly optimistic post, Nancy! A great reminder that even when feeling my bleakest self…He is at work behind the scenes. Reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Even what we would perceive as ‘inactivity’!
Thanks!
Wise words, Cheri: Even seasons of inactivity serve their purpose. Thank you for sharing!
“Winter is not a mistake, God has a purpose in it.” Amen–for all the living things. Your description of the gauzy fog and winter weather is beautiful, Nancy.
Thank you, Jody. You undoubtedly see “God in the Yard” frequently, so these thoughts are familiar! (P.S. Finally bought that book and have read it straight through. Now looking forward to digesting slowly and completing the journal prompts. Thought of you so often as I read!)