The change of seasons has never been as significant to me as it has been since we’ve moved out to the country. Before, the change of seasons signaled a change of wardrobe, maybe a change of decor, or perhaps different activities. Spring meant a time to start bringing out the cooler clothes, freshening things up around the house, and perhaps planting some flowers. Summer meant days at the pool, more time to visit with friends and family, and just trying to stay cool! Fall meant time to put out my “Happy Fall, Y’all” sign and to decorate the yard with straw bales, corn stalks, and pumpkins. We enjoyed the cooler weather and football season while realizing just how much we had to be thankful for. And winter meant Christmas was on the way, decorating with white lights and celebrating the real Reason for the Season, singing Christmas carols, enjoying the warmth of a fireplace, and ringing in the New Year with friends.

Now I see things a little differently. The seasons truly represent times to prepare the soil, time to plant, time to weed and water, and time to harvest. When you see a whole field of corn withering from the dry scorching heat and hear farmers praying for rain, you begin to understand that those farmers are really at the mercy of God with the weather. They know all too well that God is in control and they must rely on Him for their livelihood. While we may not earn our livelihood from our farm, we are striving to grow more of our family’s food and learning the significance of the seasons and weather.

We moved out to our farm Thanksgiving 2003 and quickly got schooled in the ways of country living. I realized why country kids owned rubber boots when we encountered the damp fall soil all over my children’s shoes! We realized the importance of warm gloves, hats, and coats during the winter when we were up early on those winter mornings working around the farm. We learned to watch for when our neighbors began tilling or working in their fields and to ask what it was time to plant. We rejoiced when we had a group of pumpkins come up despite all of our mistakes. We marveled at how bright the stars were at night. And somehow we just felt even closer to God, to His Creation.

Watching the trees bud, fill out with leaves, drop their leaves, and then to go dormant for a time of rest, we got more in touch with what that meant for us in our lives. Truly there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven. This winter, as the cold weather approaches, don’t let the media tell you that it’s nothing more than cold and flu season or the biggest shopping time of the year. Spend some time with God’s creation and the God of all seasons. If you don’t have your own place out in the country, wake up early one morning and go for a drive through some farm country near you. Watch the heat coming off a horse on a frosty morning. Notice the farmer out mending his fences and working on his tractor. Count how many dogs you see curled up like the letter O keeping warm as they keep watch over things. Listen to the water flowing in a creek or the ducks and geese flying overhead. Winter reminds me to be still, quiet, and watchful.

Whether the day is dreary or bright, you can enjoy the beauty of winter. Maybe this winter you can try your hand at some handcrafts. Do a little reading about more natural ways to stay healthy and think about changes you’d like to make. Take the time to have a cup of hot tea with a friend. Share a pot of soup with a neighbor. Enjoy those shorter days and the times they give you for quiet reflection. Praise God that in His wisdom He knew we need time to rest to prepare for the next season.

May you marvel at His love and provision in a new and fresh way this winter.