Now that half of North America is half-frozen from our most recent arctic blast, there has been a rather poignant quote making its way around social media. It says, “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life, but still the same amount of snow.” I’m not sure who first penned the saying or where it originated but I resonated with the sentiment immediately. 

I am a summer baby – born in June and I relish the whole month as my personal celebration of life and existence. I have never liked the cold, even as mild as winters normally are in the south where I’ve always lived. Snow was rare, but when it came I found I enjoyed it’s gently falling to the earth, merely tolerated short treks in it, winced as the feeling slowly returned to my extremities when I retreated back inside, and finally mourned the depressing sight of it’s slow melt.

WInter winds can take my breath away. I loathe the shorter days. I resent winter from robbing me of my friend, the sun, and its warmth. Winter and I have never been friends.

As exciting as the magical feeling of watching snowfall is to me, I have decided that I much prefer the summer sun and a refreshing body of water. Yes, snow is pretty and Christmas is the best and these are both associated with wintertime. Even so, I am a summer son through and through. 

The fact remains, however, that winter still comes around every year. Seasons change and I cannot change them. Summer always leaves and colder air blankets my skin. So when winter’s blustery winds blow in, do I simply take a hiatus from joy or serenity or activities I enjoy? Do I hunker down and pray that spring comes quickly? 

I used to.

But this year, I so much appreciated the nature right outside my door. I decided that I didn’t want to relegate my view to behind window glass only for months at a time. I want to enjoy nature even though better temperatures are kept at bay. We installed a front porch swing this year and bought some furniture for the back deck. I’ve been feeding the birds and watching the squirrels and butterflies and even conspiring how to attract rabbits into the yard. I’ve spent hours on the porch or with the garage doors wide open writing sermons, studying, conducting phone meetings, reading for leisure, discovering new music, or simply breathing deeply and taking in the wonders God has left for me at my doorstep.

My wife and I have been taking regular walking through our neighborhood. The kids have been playing basketball and pickleball and hitting golf balls in the yard. Should all that simply cease until spring? I refuse to accept it.

So, I’ve been building up my tolerance to cold. I sat on my back deck when the temperature was 70 degrees and the weather sunn in shorts and a t-shirt. When it turn 60 and rainy and grabbed a jacket and went out to the front porch. Last week, when the high was 47, I donned a knitted cap and sat on the swing with a book and hot cup of coffee. I intend to stay out and enjoy the gifts God placed in my sights for as long as possible. 

Now, I’m not saying I’ll be out there stubbornly numbing my face off when the air struggles or even fails to reach above freezing, but I’m not waiting on spring. There are birds to identify, sunsets to see, and stars to count. There are books to be read, music to be enjoyed, and moments to be savored.

Do not wait on your circumstances to change before finding peace. Don’t wait for the sun to return before finding joy. “This is the day the Lord has made, Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

So go put on that winter coat and walk outside – even if just for a few minutes. Open your eyes, look around, and breathe deeply the crisp air. Take in the little treasures God placed on your doorstep – that sturdy oak, that scurrying squirrel, that meandering cloud. 

Be with God in His creation. 

That blanket or fireplace or hot cup of joe will be waiting for you when you go back in.