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2/22/15

Yes, I am struggling with the winter "BLAHS" and You?

My winter garden! 
Gosh today I dawned my hooded coat, gloves, and heavy socks and shoes to head out to the mailbox at the end of the drive.  Not so far at all.......But, after carefully picking my way over the ice covered snow, grabbing onto Brian's truck just to be sure not to fall!  I turned around and came back at the edge of the lawn as I could see the street (on a good sized long hill) was a shining sheet of ice!  NO WAY am I stepping out there to gather our arm full of junk mail and catalogs! 

Especially after the horrors we have faced since the week before Thanksgiving!  Our beloved brother-in-law passed after a 4 month unexpected illness, Grandma fell and is now in the nursing home, and Mother fell and is still in a cast with a broken wrist.  Eek!

Now with long, cold, dreary days I find myself working hard, hard, hard not to fall into the trap of negative thinking.  It is a well laid trap meant to snare each and everyone of us.

My mind does not naturally find the gratitude in my attitude.  Rather it is a discipline I have been working on for at least the last 30 years! Yes, indeed a discipline I have found, learned, and endeavor to practice every day of my life.  Admittedly some periods are much more difficult than others!

When spring arrives it is oh so easy to be positive and grateful with the blossoming of the world!

But now, just before spring arrives the days seem such a struggle!  But then.....I look around and see I am so very blessed by God with home, family, friends, and country.  And I am jerked back to the awareness of the depth of the debt I owe for all I am and all I have.

I remember each morning with the reading of my devotions, and I remember each day as I see the depth of the strength of my sisters and brother, the kindness of my dearest friend, the love of my family and I remember each day the words of Psalm 37:8  Do not fret, it leads only to evil.

Then I start anew with a better out look.  I start the day with a renewed attitude of gratitude.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Diane, I usually feel the same way as winter comes to an end, longing for some sunshine to bring me out of the doldrums. We still have summer, some very hot days although I feel like I missed most of it, what with sitting in the hospital all those days before Darren passed away. Like you I am trying hard to find the positives in life, although I do not believe in a god I do look to my family and friends for comfort. Hope it won't be too much longer before the sun shines for you. Best wishes Wendy

Barb Oaker said...

Diane, I'm struggling with the same winter blues. We have multiple layers of ice and snow and it's impossible to walk outdoors without falling or nearly falling. I took a tumble last week and fortunately landed on snow instead of the ice, so I was able to get up.

I pray for Spring in your heart even though the weather says otherwise. Hugs, Barb

Unknown said...

Thank you Barb and Wendy for your kind and touching comments. I truly appreciate your words of comfort and encouragement. We will all continue to think the very best thoughts we can muster! Diane

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