Well, the Weather Outside is Frightful...

I get cold so easily and I absolutely love it. Cold weather is just so much fun. I love being able to bundle up and go outside. I love watching my breath hit the cold air and seeing the flush on my cheeks after I have been walking outside. And most of all, I love walking inside from the cold, into a heated room where I can curl up with a good book, a blanket, and a cup of coffee and just enjoy life. So often I focus on the things I don't like about cold weather. I don't like how my fingers get white and icy or how my nose runs and my ears start hurting.  But those are just natural effects of the cold and I couldn't enjoy it if I didn't endure these small inconveniences. When I'm not having a coffee or icy breath moment, I forget the better aspects of cold weather and focus mainly on my discomfort.

I think so often I view life in the same way. Right now, I am having a lot of good book and blanket experiences. I love the way my life is going and cannot find a reason to complain. But I know times will come when things are not so pleasant - when my fingers will freeze and my nose will run. Those are the moments when I lose sight of the big picture. I forget that God is in control and has a wonderful and complete plan for my life. So now, I must treasure the happiness and contentment I feel and save the memory of this for a sore-ears cold day. Then I can remind myself of all the good things in life - the visible breath and flushed cheeks, the coffee, blankets and good books - and know that the struggle is worth it.