A Different Winter | Savoring the Season

Below-zero temperatures chill my bones and make them ache. The wind howls a lonely song outside my window and makes the rafters rattle; the world is draped in a blanket of white. Usually, by this point in the winter, I’m already dreaming of sunny days, the smell of freshly cut grass, dryer sheets on the breeze, and the warmth that seeps into my skin after months of battling the cold. I’d be impatiently flipping through catalogs filled with summer items, flowers, and plants and generally willing winter away with every fiber of my being.

But something is different this year. A quiet shift has occurred within me, and for the first time ever, I find myself not wishing for the season to pass.

Instead, I’m savoring the snowfalls. I watch them with childlike wonder, mesmerized by the delicate dance of each snowflake as it twirls and pirouettes its way to the ground. I love how the world transforms into a silent, sparkling wonderland. The crunch of snow beneath my boots, the way the light catches the icy branches of the trees, the stillness that descends when the world is hushed by a fresh snowfall – these are the moments I’m holding onto this year.

I cherish the cozy days spent indoors with my dog curled up nearby, a steaming mug of tea warming my hands. We monitor the snowfall together, her soft snores a comforting counterpoint to the wind’s howls. These quiet moments of companionship are a gift, a gentle reminder of the simple joys in life. And then there are the homemade dinners shared with friends, the laughter echoing through the house, and the warmth of good company chasing away the winter chill. We gather around the table, sharing stories and food, creating memories that will warm us long after the snow has melted.

I especially love to watch it snow, a swirling, breathtaking spectacle when it comes down hard. It fills me with a sense of awe, almost a giddiness. I feel like a child experiencing the magic of winter. And then it hits me: this feeling, this joy, it’s more than just the beauty of the snow. It’s a reminder of the manna from heaven, that miraculous sustenance provided by God. It’s a tangible symbol of His provision and His constant care, even in the midst of what can feel like a barren landscape. He’s showering me with these moments, these glimpses of His grace.

I’ve spent a lot of time talking with Jesus about this. I’ve wrestled with why this winter feels so different— so…blessed. And it was during one of these conversations, in the quiet solitude, that it dawned on me. “HEY…. Jesus,” I whispered, the realization excitedly dawning, “you’re showering me with pockets of your grace-filled moments. Glimpses, if you will.”  

These aren’t just pretty winter scenes; they are invitations. Invitations to see God’s hand at work in the quiet moments, in the beauty of creation, in the love shared with friends and family. He’s not just present in the grand, dramatic moments of life; He’s here, in the every day, in the ordinary, in the midst of winter. He’s whispering, “I’m here. I’m in this winter with you.”

And that changes everything. This season isn’t just something to survive but to embrace. It’s a time to draw closer to God, recognize His presence in the frost and snow, and find warmth in His love. It’s a reminder that even in the coldest, seemingly most barren times, God’s grace is still falling, softly and gently, covering everything with beauty, peace, and the promise of new life.

All In All

This winter, won’t you come along with me to look for and savor the pockets of grace-filled moments in your own life. They might be hidden beneath a blanket of snow, tucked away in a quiet moment, or shared in the laughter of friends. But they’re there, waiting to be discovered, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, and reminding you that you are never truly alone, that God is always present— even in winter.

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!