A Long Winter.

When we moved to Colorado one year ago, we’d really never experienced a true winter. We had never purchased an ice scraper for the car or a legitimate winter coat. But, we took a leap of faith and left our home and families behind.

We had owned our own home for nearly four years. We had re-painted every interior wall ourselves, including that perfect shade of sage green for our baby’s nursery. The corner of our living room was the perfect location for our Christmas tree. My husband laid the wood floor himself, and I helped him lay the new granite countertops in the kitchen. It’s where we brought our baby home after a week in the hospital. Instead of learning to crawl, our little one scooted around the floor on her bottom. My grandmother bought us a toddler swing that we hung under a shade tree in the backyard. We’d planted countless new plants, many of which fought to survive in the scorching Texas sun. It was our home.

But the opportunity for a brighter future for our family brought us here.

Things are not always extremely clear. In this past year we have made countless memories with some tremendous highs, but also with some remarkable lows. Few things have come easily. So many changes at once, so quickly. Becoming a one-income, one-car family. Making some big sacrifices. And experiencing some really bad customer service along the way.

Every morning I am comforted by the view of the mountains, and the feel of the cool air. I love that there are four distinctive seasons to experience. It is so good for the soul.

Our second winter here is quickly approaching. Metaphorically, however, we have been experiencing winter for some time.

In his book “Let Your Life Speak,” Parker Palmer writes about seasons in life. Winter can be demanding and rigorous and cold. But, it is a necessary preparation for spring.

As I was just reading the chapter on Perseverance in Max Lucado’s Inspirational Reader, I underlined “And you know you are only a few more steps from the top. So whatever you do, don’t quit. Though your falls are great, his strength is greater. You will make it. You will see the summit.”

This is encouragement to me.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

We are so anxious for the onset of spring.