For the One Who Is Dreading the Winter

We’re just recovering from the holidays, and now the cold, dark days of winter stretch on in front of us.

We are not where we were a year ago it’s true, but the days ahead are foggy and unknown.

Winter is only just beginning but already feels heavy, lonely, slow.

When the days blend together and the weeks drag on and dear-God-the-wet-snow-pants-are-still-buried-in-the-backpacks, may we have the courage to turn to You in the darkness.

Remind us to step outside, text a friend, make soup.

In the cold darkness, take our hurry, our agendas, our expectations.

And when we yearn for sun-soaked windows and crowded tables, may we hold on to the hope of warmer days ahead.

Help us to walk move slowly as we waddle over the ice and tip our faces against the wind.

Give us the courage to embrace the darkness, light the candles, and break out the cozy throws.

For we never enter the darkness alone.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.