Fall and winter bring with it some of the most beautiful and peaceful light. There is a glow that gently spreads through the trees. In fall, the colors of the leaves make the glow all the more warmer. When winter comes and all the vivid colors are gone, the glow is a bit softer.
Fall is my favorite season. I cannot even put into words how much joy my heart experiences with the beautiful colors of the leaves, the crisp cool air, and the warm glow of the sun through the colorful trees. I try and soak it all in as much as I can, because I know it will be gone as soon as it came. I never can soak up enough of it, though. And, I always feel a bit sad when it’s over and winter is here.
The last several weeks, I have been soaking up the beauty of everything fall. I’ve been struggling a lot with my health. So any time I am able to be outside and inhale any bit of fall, I snatch it up. Even if all I get to do is look out the window or walk outside just to look, smell, and feel. (Which is more often than not) It’s even better when I feel good enough to drive around or walk somewhere to REALLY enjoy it all and take photos to remember the beauty when I need it. The colder weather can make me feel worse with my migraine and pain. The heat does it as well. I just enjoy fall & winter more, despite the extra challenges they bring in my health. The isolation and loneliness that comes with my health issues have been so overwhelming lately. Not to mention, I’ve had an added pain issue. I don’t often talk about how much my health truly effects my every day life. Even with some of the people closest to me in my life. It is a hard and difficult struggle with very little support (even if I do share how I’m really doing).
A few days ago I received a card in the mail from a friend. It meant the world to me to read her words. The message was short and simple, but her words held so much power, encouragement, and love. I don’t usually share how my every day life is with her. I’m sorry, friend. It’s hard to share what it is really like with anyone. Thank you for loving me anyway. Lately, I haven’t been on social media (which is a huge outlet & distraction for me) much at all. I try to get on at least long enough to send birthday wishes to anyone having a birthday. That’s usually all I can achieve these days. Thank you to the people in my life that still reach out to me, include me, invite me or ask me to do things and/or participate in things with or for them. Even if it isn’t often, it’s appreciated more than you will ever know. I love getting to spend time in any way with the special people in my life.
My days have been brightened enormously with the current season. I think I identify so much with fall & winter because despite it seeming gloomy and dreary to so many, it shows that beauty is in everything. Even when things can seem so cold, bleak & dark. There is always beauty to be found. It might be in the smallest things, but it is there. Be sure to look for it!
Winter is beautiful to me as well. The light of winter is a little more melancholy, yet full of anticipation. Anticipation for the hope of snow (at least for me), the bitter cold, and smells & sights of Christmas. For me, the anticipation is also in the joy of celebrating Jesus, His birth and the hope He brings.
Some don’t appreciate winter as much as fall; everything is dead, cold, and dreary. What so many don’t see in winter is the life that is all around. The evergreen trees are always there and they look alive. Everything else may look dead, but inside they are bursting at the seams with life, just waiting for spring to make their grand entrance! Winter is a time for rest, repair, and healing for all the trees and plants that just look dead. Shouldn’t we strive for the same? The days are shorter, nights longer. Rest. Winter is screaming at us to rest. It’s often so busy for most of us with so many holiday events. It should also be a time of rebuilding or repair. A time where we can gather together with friends & family and spend time together. Making memories… investing in every day moments that will last longer than decorations, food, presents, etc.
The busyness of the holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is this week, followed by Hanukkah, Christmas, & New Year’s. (If there are other holidays in there that I missed, I’m sorry!) Take time to remember what is important. The people & relationships in your life, not all the things or being consumed with shopping, presents, consumed with making the perfect family holiday card to send out, or trying to have everything perfect for whatever party, get together, etc. you might be having. You will miss the beautiful moments from getting to spend time with loved ones and making memories.
Remember the people in your life you know that might be struggling at this time of year. Those who don’t have any family, friends or loved ones nearby or at all. Those who have health problems that keep them from any number of things and/or loved ones during the holidays. Those who have lost loved ones recently (or not so recently), which can make the holidays difficult for them. Those who don’t have the money to do anything for the holidays for their family (whether it be presents for their kids, having a holiday meal, or even just having basic necessities for their family for the winter). Those who may just need some encouragement, a smile, a hug, a friend. Reach out to them in some way. Send them a note, make (or buy) some goodies to deliver, invite them to your gathering or party, share some food or take them some of your leftovers. Be aware of others and their needs. If you can help, do it. You might change their life… and yours in the process.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” -Rachel Carson
“Everyone wants to be the sun to lighten up someone’s life. But why not be the moon, to brighten in the darkest hour?”
“There is beauty laced within this day… be courageous enough to find it, be kind enough to share it, and at the end of the day, be wise enough to let it go.”
Beauty From Affliction 