Like many of you probably do, I struggle a bit with the dreary, short days of winter. I’m convinced, however, that we can still thrive, and dare I say it, even remain joyful in the bleak and barren times of the year.

If the author of the heavens has His hand upon us, then peace is at our fingertips and joy is peeking around the corner like a red cardinal that’s perched on a branch outside our window. It only takes us tuning our eyes and ears to the artist’s paintbrush and the melody of hope that’s whistling in the silence, even on the harshest of days. Still, it’s not easy when our posture is weary. Here are some attitudes and activities that I’ve found to be helpful:

*Do what gets you through*

What I mean by this is simply don’t let others dictate how you deal with it. It can feel as though everyone everywhere has an opinion on everything, and if we aren’t careful to examine and recognize what works for us, we can fall into the trap of believing that we aren’t allowed to make unconventional choices.

We have just finished out a season of celebration and family, cookies and festive lights, and all that good stuff that makes us feel warm and cozy. If you want to carry that feeling on into the coming weeks or months, if it helps you to cope with a bleak, sunless horizon, then go ahead and leave your Christmas tree up for a while. It may not be feasible for you to book a flight to Bermuda (though I wouldn’t blame you if you tried), but even small excitements in our day to day can help us fight through the struggle.

*Say Yes (Or No!) To Distractions/Opportunities*

It doesn’t often snow where we live, and when it does, it tends to melt quickly, so when we get blessed with a winter wonderland here on our homestead, we need to take advantage of it. My plans can get put on hold if we can frolic in the snow for a morning – because it’s melting away by lunchtime. Here today, gone tomorrow, and the only way to live is by living out our longings.

On the other hand, I know I have a tendency to let leisure win. If I’m overwhelmed or struggling with seasonal depression, it dampens my productivity for sure. Carpe diem requires a measure of self reflection, and only I can know my true motivations. Am I running away or am I seizing the day? Let’s not avoid our to-do list to the point that it has doubled by the end of the month, but let’s be wise in determining – what does my soul need? 

*Get Outside, Get Exercise, and Get Soul-Charged*

Admittedly, part of my personal struggle is that I’m dreaming of sunshine, walks in the woods with babbling brooks, and the color of spring – not always aware of the beauty of a winter earth. And yet – am I not exhilarated when I step out into crisp air and feel the chill on my cheeks? Isn’t the stillness of winter woods unmatched for a moment of quiet prayer?

The path in front of me may look different for the time being, but it still provides the movement and clarity that my body and mind require. Take care of those things, and you become mission-ready.

*Hold Fast To The Sacred*

There are things in this world that are holy in ways we can’t even understand. When we reflect on all of our pursuits, are they filled with love and gratitude? In all my doubts and questions, wrestling and angst, I have to remember to get my eyes off of myself. So many needs exist outside of ourselves. When we can reach out and share another’s burden, and lend a hand or a heart, we make this barren earth hallowed ground. Let’s make it our mission in the new year to love others well.