Yesterday we turned the calendar over to February, which means we’ve moved on to longer stretches of daylight and are thismuchcloser to spring. This is JOY! Not that I’m wanting to rush time or what God is doing – I know seasons of dormancy are necessary, but winter helps me appreciate the beauty of the other seasons. There is an added sweetness when we make it through the long-lasting inhale of the winter months.
Here are some snapshots of the winter season. And while I have you here, which season do you look forward to most with anticipation? Let me know in the comments below.
Winter snapshots:
…sitting near the window, watching my oldest boy (nearly 13 years old) and the snowblower work their magic on our circle driveway.
…exercising new creative habits, such as painting with watercolor!
(And I spy a little blonde boy who loves to pull himself up to the dinner table. This is a super big deal for our Josiah, who was born with spina bifida. Every new accomplishment / skill he achieves is worth celebrating! Again: JOY! :) )
…slow reading new books (I recently finished this book!) It was written in the ’90s and I was so sad to learn the author has since passed. Reading her words of encouragement, especially as we are a homeschooling family whose schedule varies each week due to priotitizing health care appointments and therapy, was like a balm to my motherly mind. Mary wrote from experience when she shared her advice, but she also wrote with grace and Biblical support.
…a page from my Bible studying on Psalm 119:65–72. The Hebrew scriptures begin each of the five verses with the word “good” (tov). What is “the good” the Psalmist wants us to see?
Here they are in a nutshell: God’s Word is designed for our good (v. 65). We can trust that God’s words are the best counsel (v. 66). Affliction can move us into deeper obedience (v. 67). “Good you are, and you cause good to happen,” (v. 68). Good it was for me that I was afflicted, so that I might learn your statutes (v. 71).
…referencing a well-loved book list during a recent trip to the library!
…weekly sourdough bread baking. (More joy!)
…letter writing on Mondays, bedside reading, and a re-stocked tea drawer :) I felt like a very wise woman when I realized I could move our tea collection and my kids mugs to a drawer that’s at their level. This put a stop to the counter top climbing, and also gave them a little ownership when wanting to make a cup of tea.
…candles adding warmth to the kitchen come evening.
Winter really is a special season. Even though it’s cold and the weather is often unpredictable, there is a lot of good that comes from this season. We can learn a lot from the months spanning December, January, February, and March. Hot tea doesn’t taste the same in the spring, the crunch of snow under my boots as I walk to the mailbox is satisifying to my ears, and the red and brown birds that come to our feeders are reflections of God’s goodness. And of course, of all the meals I make each week, winter is the season I most enjoy being in a warm kitchen.
The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of the LORD is what remains, Isaiah 40:8
In each season, I want to be looking for the joy. It’s always there, even if it’s just a tiny shimmer of light.
xx, Maggie
Beautifully written friend! I too am learning to see the beauty in our long winter season this year! Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your families life; it always makes me smile!!
Thanks, Jessi! ♡ I love this quote I heard years ago. It has really helped me to see things within my home differently.
“Have nothing in your home that is not useful or beautiful, preferably both.”
You make it sound so peaceful when I know that this past month has been sooooooo busy for you and your family with all the doctor appointments, surgeries, etc. Loved he photo of Josiah peeking over the table. Love you all!
Hi, Janet! It has been a lot, BUT… I intentionally make space for quiet, rest, “read-a-thons” and yummy meals. Those are the things I can control! And it proves to be life-giving for us! Thank your for your comment and prayers! Much love to you and Dan.
Hi Maggie. Many years have passed since our boys were little ones, but we also loved tea, especially Almond Sunset with honey when we needed healing from a sore throat or cold. I love how you are cherishing your time as a mom of your growing family. It does go quick at times. God bless you and all your dear ones.
Claudia :)
Oh, Claudia!!! SO SO wonderful to hear from you :) That was so wonderful to read some of your thoughts. Thank you for your comment :)
Maggie, I have followed you on and off since 2008, sharing in the twists and turns, the highs and the lows. Every so often I will pop back to see how you and your growing family are fairing :-) . It is so wonderful to see them thriving, and how you have cultivated such a close-knit family unit. Children don’t come with a manual, and motherhood is a hard road, even with the support of a steady partner and family input.
I love your old-school approach to writing – think Earl Hamner Jr style, although you are way too young to remember the Waltons lol (I, however, am not, and honestly don’t know where the years have gone!). Keep doing what you’re doing, and savour each precious moment. I will leave you with a poem from a friend who passed recently, after a long struggle. Wishing you peace, Hettie, UK. x
Love It All by Kosan Carla Callahan
Love it all
every joy
every sadness
every betrayal
every sunrise
every moment of fear
every smile
every pimple
every song
every pain
every breath
every rage
every friend
every unknown.
Love it all, because it isn’t coming again.
Hi, Hetti! I enjoyed your comment! Thanks for taking a moment to share your feedback. Gosh, you’re one of my original blog readers then, if you’ve been reading on & off since 2008! That’s wild :) Growing up I watched a lot of The Waltons, and I’ve introduced my kiddos to it as well, what a fun show! That was a very touching correlation you made. Any chance you’ve read the writings of Wendell Berry? Jayber Crow and Hannah Coulter are two fantastic novels worth checking out :) And lastly, the poem written by your friend… So touching. Thank you for sharing that. xx
You are a wise woman indeed, my Maggie! xo
Oh, my heart friend! Hello! xoxo