The Mystery of Winter’s Wonder and the Beginning of all Things New (Part 2)

Winter’s wonder and days gone by…

In the dead of winter, loved ones cheered for blessed new years—some singing their own version of Auld Lang Syne. The meaning remained powerful. Warm. Deep. It still reminds me of days gone by. God knows I’m one who never recalled the right words to that song, but the meaning stayed and grew with me. We remember good times and bad…the daisies and the weary roads. We pray and love and argue and nurture. All the while hoping that somehow we might become more of what God wants us to be, and believing he will fulfill the purpose he has for us because we chose to see the mystery in winter’s wonder and the beginning of all things new.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

New things to come

Tonight, I sit by a crackling fire awaiting a winter storm with a few of my new best friends: A stack of books begging to be read. Compassionate heroes and feisty heroines who resemble family members stand ready to leap off the page and into my heart. Once again, my thoughts turn to other snowy settings and memorable scenes of years gone by. With no shortage of thought-provoking dialog or emotional characters in my family, I smile at the possibilities of endless tales to come.

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.”

Melody Beattie
Awaiting new things to come and reading by the fireside

The end of all things old

Each new day (and year) signifies a fresh start—the end of all things old. We step away from past sorrows, failures, and disappointments to embrace the hope of a new perspective and a brand-new day. Winter in all its quiet beauty has a way of prompting me to search for answers to life’s puzzling questions and to uncover hidden blessings. When outdoors in January, I’m always reminded, the mystery of winter’s wonder and the beginning of all things new isn’t so mysterious to the one who created all that ever was, is, and ever will be. He calmed winds and waves, wiped away my sins, and made me new.

“Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Faith in an unseen God who overcame all the darkness of this world changed me. I’m no longer who I once was. The same way he has good things planned for frozen forests come springtime—He has even more for you and me. One of the best gifts I’ve received, especially trial times, is this reassuring peace. While it’s true bad things can happen to anyone, and everyone makes mistakes, we don’t have to live with permanent spiritual consequences of those things. Jesus made all things new for us.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Each new year comes wrapped in 365 inspiring days to help fulfill our destiny. And with that thought, I pray we uncover many opportunities to search for deeper revelations to the mysteries in God’s Word, and yes, even the mystery of winter’s wonder and the beginning of all things new. Again, I say and believe; heaven will be worth it all.

Seek the mysteries of winter’s wonder and find the beginning of all things new

And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold I am making all things new.’”

Revelations 21:5 (ESV)

Dear friends,

I know we’ve all felt the shock and pain of recent events in our country and losses in our families. For these reasons, I’ve struggled with writing part 2 of this quirky “winter mystery” story. In case you’re wondering why I decided to push through to complete this entry (sappy as it may seem to readers during these tumultuous times), it’s because I believe you and I can choose to see the good hidden under all the muck of bad times…The mysterious gifts of every season, the uniqueness in each wrinkled face, and the everyday blessings in the world around us.

Insignificant as an individual snowflake, tree, mountain, lake, animal (or fill in the blank) might appear to some, I believe they were created with and from God’s perspective about the world we live in. They can help change ours too—If. If. If…

Open our eyes, Lord. Change our hearts and minds. Help us see the gift of every breath. Every tear. Every day. Life is worth living.

Have you ever wondered about winter’s wonders or how some clues about life’s mysteries remain hidden in the beginning—and quietest season of each year? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post. Read part 1 of The Mystery of Winter’s Wonder and the Beginning of all Things New here, all my IAF stories here (or red or blue links in this post), and check out my Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog here. I’ll see you on FB, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest too! 🙂

Finally, I have to share this last quote. After reading, I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s one of my favorites…

“Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing.”

Joanne Raptis

Special thanks to PIXABAY for use of all FREE images. Image credits: Feature image by Ina Hoekstra. G1TL image by Ri Butov, TC image by Free-Photos, TR image by David Mark. Bottom image by kristamonique. Single Lg image by malubeng. G2TL image by marcelkessler, TC image by Nina Butts, TR image by Couleur . Bottom image by David Mark. Lg Single image by S. Hermann & F. Richter.

Joann Claypoole

Joann Claypoole is an author, speaker, and former spa-girl entrepreneur. She's a wife, mother of four sons, “Numi” to four grandchildren, doggie-mom of two. The award-winning author of The Gardener’s Helper’s (ages 5-9 MJ Publishing2015) would rather be writing, hiking in the mountains, or inviting deer and other wildlife to stay for dinner near her western NC writing retreat. Visit her website: joannclaypoole.com and WordPress blog: https://joannclaypoole.wordpress.com/

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4 comments

  1. Wow, part 2 is just as inspirational as part 1, it makes you think and cherish all the memories of days gone by,and to look to the future with hope. Plz Read,Like,Comment and Share with Family and Friends!!!!!

    1. Thanks for sticking with this one and reading part 2. While I’m thankful and feel so blessed to have many more good memories instead of bad, I know each is a mysterious gift of sorts. God is good…

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