Winter’s Kiss

“Snowflakes are kisses from heaven.” – Unknown

Consider the enormity of her kiss

Some kisses are more memorable than others. So, if snowflakes are kisses from heaven, I’m wondering why so many people think that too much of it must come from H-E-double hockey sticks.

No doubt, January 2025 will long be remembered. Lingering fire and ice have buried many thoughts of how a new year offers 365 days of opportunities. All things new? With that thought comes the possibility to discover ways to recover, grow, and hopefully prosper again. To find wonder in the everyday fa-or la, la, la.

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

Although this winter’s extreme weather with widespread frigid temps, devastating wind storms, and California’s catastrophic fires can leave us frozen in our desolate stillness, today I’m reminded to search for deeper revelations, not only in God’s word but in the enormity of the wonder of winter’s kiss.

“And now we welcome a new year. Full of things that have never been.”— Rainer Maria Rilke

Fire and Ice

Things that have never been? But . . . we were hoping for good things, not Armageddon. I’ve said some clues about life’s mysteries remain dormant in the quietest—and sometimes—craziest season of each new year. It’s when all things sleeping fuel all things new.

Yesterday’s leaves cover today’s frozen flowers. Trees, grasses, and other hibernators instinctively trust the ever-changing winds carrying fire and ice. At the same time, we humans unbox and then undecorate until our houses seem bare or frozen in time. And sometimes, when the winds settle, all we held dear is gone.

“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all” — Josiyah Martin

What if we learn to see the beauty of Winter’s kiss of fire and ice?

No matter how dreary a morning, a hint of beauty abounds. In the misty fog. The twisted branches. Charred acreage. Snowflakes drifting down. Hidden light gives the exact fuel to begin again. To regenerate and thrive. Proving life is so worth living.

A few things to consider in 2025

• Winter storms give us time to meditate on new beginnings
• Unprecedented events (fire, wind, or snowstorms) will leave opportunities to connect with others, heal, recover, ask, and receive. Get wisdom. Get life: A Father’s Wise Instruction – Proverbs 4
• Press on towards the goal. – Philippians 3:8-21 ESV

Goodbye yesterday, hello tomorrow.

We, too, can survive and move on from yesterday’s disasters, decades of doomed endeavors, or what we might see as a lifetime of fail-years. If we embrace hope one day at a time we can say, “Goodbye yesterday,” and smile wider with our, “Hello tomorrow.”

“In the depth of winter, I’ve finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus

And so, again, I’m reminded of God’s promises. Some of which rest in Winter’s embrace.

And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new’” – Revelations 21:5 ESV

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wondered how the impact of winter’s kiss and a few of life’s mysteries go hand in hand? I pray God opens our eyes to see the enormity of this gift. Let’s reach beyond our cookie-cutter houses and beautiful backyards to lend a helping hand to those affected by this season’s extreme winter weather.

Wishing you health, happiness, and all the best on your journey in 2025,

JC

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.

*Special thanks to Pixabay for use of all free images. Feature Image: Image by Karl Egger from Pixabay shogun, #1 Image by Robert C from Pixabay , # 2 Image by Karl Egger from Pixabay, #3 Canva- C Edit image.