For Yellowstone’s bison, it’s the end of this season that’s most dangerous. They’ve spent the winter foraging for frozen foliage by swinging their heads back and forth through the snow like a bucket on an excavator. After a long winter of burning their reserves and scraping for survival, they’re as depleted as the grass they spend their days searching for. Winter holds on long in the mountains, making the line between when the calendar declares spring’s arrival and the appearance of green meadows especially thin.
There’s a time and a season for everything. We know this. We mostly even believe it. But during this second half of winter, it’s hard to remember. Worn from making the most of small doses of sunlight and having our protective layer of warmth blown right off our bodies, we’re ready for signs of spring.
May I suggest this is as a good time to count the saving graces of the current season?
This is my gathering for winter 2023 so far. While the people, places, things, and experiences on this list find their way here over and over again (I’m looking at you, crock pot and birds), there’s always something new.
cats. snow, and birds * sunrise, Sabbath, and deadlines * fairy lights and bird feeders * at-home dates mailbox walks, and praying friends * tunisian crochet and Friday night pizza * fun conversations and hard ones, too * favorite coffee mugs, sunlight, and dark nights * learning from my kiddos * bedtime fiction or memoir and morning non-fiction * shawarma bowls and the crock pot–always and forever * rescheduling (and also not rescheduling) * knowing when it’s time to quit * Monday morning Zoom prayer pod * wedding planning phone meetings * Trello (How was I so late to this?) * celebrating Christmas, marriages, and birthdays * photo walls and coffee dates * board games and reading lists *
🥾How do you pay attention to what you’re navigating by? Look at the landscape of your life. What gifts and saving graces are about you this winter season? (If you’d like to record yours, I’ve made a simple, no-strings-attached printable just for you. Tuck it into your journal, planner, or your Bible–or anywhere else it would serve you well. Access it here.)
take heart and happy trails ~ Natalie 🥾
I link most posts at Tell His Story and Let’s Have Coffee.
I love your list, Natalie. Favorite coffee mugs, certain times of day for certain types of books, birds, fun and hard conversations … these would also make my list of seasonal saving graces.
I enjoy finding out where the lists intersect. I think it lends a little light to why we’re drawn to different people, their ideas, and their work.
Thank you, Natalie, for your wonderful perspective. I love turning mountains into molehills on its head. Thanks also for the recipe for Shawarma. I’m looking forward to trying out something new (to us).:-)
Thanks for your encouraging words and presence here, Suzy. It’s so fun to try new recipes, isn’t it?
What a great practice: “May I suggest this is as a good time to count the saving graces of the current season?” Yes, this is a good time on a cold, rainy, cloudy day. I still have much to be thankful for!
Some days it’s easier to remember than others, but–even on the cold, rainy, cloudy days–you’re right!
Natalie, I love this. Paying attention, and looking for the grace given us each day, will surely get us through this second half of winter with joy. Lovely post!
“The grace given each day…” That is something so important to pay attention for.
Wise advice, Natalie, I think too often I hurry through a current season because it is uncomfortable or unpleasant in some way, thinking something better awaits in the next season. But then I miss what God has for me right now!!
And he always has something, doesn’t he? I”m with you–I tend to rush seasons and transitions–always looking ahead and not down at where I am.
I love this. It’s always a great idea to make a list of all the good in our lives. You mentioned Tunisian crochet…way cool. I never did try that one.
Tunisian crochet is blessedly easy–and fun. (Also, I’m more of a knitter than a crocheter. It’s a great blend and has become my favorite!)
Natalie, I keep a list of things I’m thankful for each day. I loved reading yours. And you’re so right. When we count the graces God places in our lives, we can thrive, even in the thin times.
“Even in the thin times.” I like that.
i love your way of paying attention! Thanks for sharing!
(and my crockpots work at least 2 days a week, many times more!)
Just like I find the crockpot useful when it comes to getting dinner served at an appropriate time, I find it helps to have a way to pay attention.