Winter Warmth
by Pam Watts
I’ve never been a big fan of winter. There is little I find to
recommend it. Maybe it’s because I spent most of my life in central
Texas, where the seasons are referred to as “almost summer, summer,
still summer—and Christmas.” My blood is just too thin for serious
cold. I even turned down admission to Vanderbilt University—all
because Tennessee in April was “too chilly.” I’m a regular little
hothouse flower.
Recent cold weather reminds me of another harsh winter we endured a
few years back. At night, temperatures routinely dropped below
freezing. Even with the thermostat cranked up to 70 degrees, wearing
flannel pajamas and huddled under my heaviest wool blanket, I couldn’t
seem to get comfortable. Seeking the warmth I needed to fall asleep, I
discovered a delightfully unexpected bonus. As soon as I was under the
covers, the chill drove me straight into the arms of my warm-blooded
husband. His body heat provided the comfort I needed.
However, this took some maneuvering. Since we sleep in an enormous
king-sized bed, I had to work my way from my side all the way across
the mattress to reach him.
As I snuggled into his welcoming embrace, I found the solid reality
of his presence both physically and emotionally comforting. I slept
better. I dreamt better. I woke rested and refreshed. It didn’t matter
what happened during the day, or what might be waiting for me in the
morning. In those precious nighttime hours, I had Brent close beside
me. I could drift off to sleep in the assurance that I faced nothing
alone.
I do not take such security for granted. I recall the days when my
husband traveled for a living, and I spent most nights alone. I think
back to the months my sweet friend visited her husband in hospice
care. She endured many nights of solitary slumber—with even more
ahead. I try to remember to count my blessings at bedtime—especially
the one sleeping peacefully beside me.
One particularly cold night, as I nestled contentedly beside my
husband, I was grateful for this luxury even in my sleep. I found
myself dreaming of another wife—one who had just lost her husband. I
knew she would miss the kind of reassuring presence I currently
enjoyed, and I mourned for her.
The next day I was stunned to learn that my uncle had passed away less
than twenty-four hours earlier. It was my aunt who would now sleep
alone. It was she who faced many lonely nights ahead. Awake, I grieved
for her even more. I prayed that God would meet her every evening,
wrap her in His comforting embrace and remind her that she was not
alone.
I don’t much care for “winters of the spirit,” either. The cold and
stillness of these seasons make me feel restless, lonely and
completely out of my element. I was made for warmth. However, at such
times, when I desperately need reassurance, I find relief in the arms
of my Father. He reminds me that He has been and always will be with
me. No matter what happened yesterday or what’s coming tomorrow, I
face nothing alone. I get up and go forward, rested and refreshed.
For all those enduring a particularly harsh winter, I invite you to
come out of the cold. Reach out and seek the solid reality of God’s
presence. Burrow deep into the comfort of His arms. Allow Him to wrap
you in His embrace, and reassure you that you are never alone.
It’s time to get warm.
“His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.” Song
of Songs 2:6
“His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly
safe.” Psalm 91:4
“God, Your faithful love is so valuable that people take refuge in the
shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7
“The eternal God is our hiding place; he carries us in his arms”
(Deuteronomy 33:27, Contemporary English Version).
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