I hate winter. I hate most things about it. And no, I am not exaggerating.
The early dark days.
The cold.
In Scotland, it’s usually accompanied by windy rain.
The accompanying lethargy. Even my body is done.
In fact, I heard someone refer to November as ‘black November’ and now that’s what I call it.
This means on a practical level, I wish winter away. I await its end for brighter days and “warmer weather”.
But this winter, I’ve been reflecting and wondering: Is this it?
Will I do this every year? Will I wish away about two months of my life? Is that a good thing? Or is there a better way?
I’m reminded of a few Scriptures that help answer these questions:
1) Our time is short and precious
“O Lord , make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah” – Psalm 39:4-5
We are limited human beings with a limited amount of time, and all of the time that we do have, despite the season, is a precious gift.
2) The future is uncertain
“…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14
I often yearn for summer, when I can be productive again and not be…cold. And yet I do not know the future, I have no guarantee that summer will be happy and free of difficulty. So how presumptuous is it to wish away God’s gift of time for a future which I have no control over?
I am never going to love winter but I am reminded that it is a gift. I will always look forward to Summer but I am reminded that summer is not my salvation.
If my hope and salvation is in Christ, then that is where I must look in every season, making the most of my time in longing and anticipation for his coming.
