Winter

Winter is my nemesis. I’m not fond of cold weather and I detest dreary gray days that seem to pile up December through February. I am solar powered. When the sun is out, I run errands so I can soak in the sunshine. This winter has been worse than most. Haven’t felt like myself lately. Even Dwayne thinks I’ve been more irritable than usual all winter. (He’s not inclined to mention those things.) His comment gave me the key. First, it’s winter. There is not enough light. Second, a change in my medication has been counterproductive. Third, I’ve neglected my spiritual disciplines as well—reading my Bible, studying, prayer and quiet time (no TV/radio/music).

It feels good to identify the problem. Now I can find a solution. Exercise improves my mood. Getting outside for a few minutes also lightens my disposition. Writing always helps. Keeping in touch with my friends is important. I isolate myself when I’m blah. Most importantly, I need to remember that my spiritual life is a relationship, not something that I pick up and put down like a magazine. It’s my lifeline. It’s time to check the connections.

In John 15, Jesus says: Remain in Me, and I in you. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself, unless it remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one abiding in Me, and I in him, this one bears much fruit, because apart from Me you are not able to execute, nothing.