Thoughts on January

In years past, I think I have unconsciously dreaded January. When it first starts getting cold here in October, it is exciting because there is the whole holiday season to look forward to with all it's cheer and preparations and family time. It goes by fairly quickly, especially with all the events scheduled. However, at least in my mind, there is this looming shadow of "January, February, and March" in the distance. January especially seems dark, cold, and just plain boring. This year I have determined to look at it a different way.

January is a time when things seem to be dead in the natural. At least in this area of the world, there is nothing green. It is cold, and often covered in ice. Morning after morning we go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. Ice on the windshield every morning is the constant greeting. There is no emotional "pick me up" to temporarily prop up our vitamin D deprived bodies. Finances are generally tight due to the holiday frenzy only weeks before, and the day in and day out drudge seems like a death sentence.

However, this year as I was examining my heart, I found a little green sprout of joy. At least that is what I think it is. It can't be explained any other way. Yes, in my mind, I always "know" that winter will come to an end, both the natural and in the spiritual. But this is different. This is an expectation that I can't understand with my intellect. It is deposit of something fuller that I know is coming. January looks dead and cold. But deep under the earth, there is life and growth and expectation. I love January. It is an exercise of character. When all seems dull and boring and there is no emotional fluff to keep us afloat, that is when our true heart is revealed and we see if we are truly rooted and grounded in love. We develop deep foundations as we walk out the process of life and godliness even when no one sees.

I am so thankful for January seasons. I pray that the hopes and dreams and purposes that seem dead would produce much fruit as they are tended to, even in the darkness and cold, by the Author and Perfector of our faith.