It has been so bitterly cold here. I have loved these days of cozying up inside, justifying that I can drink as much coffee and hot water with lemon as I want to because my hands will not stay warm. Folding the laundry fresh from the dryer isn't a drudgery right now because the clothes are hot on my hands.
But I'm missing the sunlight! The light has been there (off and on - we've haven't had too many truly grey days), but even when I'm in the light, it is still so cold outside! The last couple days I've been mindful as I've walked around the house with my camera and tried to pin down the sunlight and soak in that little bit of warmth that is coming through our windows.
Light across a face in the schoolroom.
Light across the well-used recipe book on the counter.
Light across the pile of potato peelings in a bowl.
Light across lunch spread out in the sunniest seat in the kitchen.
In my prayer book, there is a verse that is titled the refrain and it's repeated three times during the course of the morning reading. This morning's verse was so timely for me:
For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
While I'm searching for literal sunlight to get through these long winter days of homeschooling my three girls (and chasing down that one boy) I am wanting that temporal fix. If I get out of the house, if I change my circumstances, if I can get just one minute alone! While the sunlight is good and needed, it's not the light that is going to sustain me long-term. That will keep my from snapping at my kids and losing my temper. Jesus is the light (John 9:5) that I want shining through me, spurring me on to obedience. Steadfastness. Faithfulness in my daily tasks. Being intentional in the words that I speak to those I live with and cross today's path. When I am worried or tired or just plain overwhelmed with all that is on my plate, I need to remind myself to look to the light from Jesus for the grace I need for my day. That's the light I want to be steeping myself in and living off of throughout the day.
I like this...do you remember or know an old Out of the Grey song about Winter Sun? Your post reminds me of that song...love you friend.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I remember that one - it's been a looooong time since I've listened to them!
DeleteYes. I'm there with you, bitter cold and snapping tempers and looking for sunlight. It's one reason I've enjoyed our newly rearranged living room--the sofa is now in front of the window.
ReplyDelete(A certain eight year old girl was thrilled with the mail man today and promptly wrote a reply. I will try to get it in the mail soon!)
Happy mail! A certain girl here was on a serious letter writing kick last week and will be so excited to get one back.
DeleteI feel like in this house I'm still trying to pinpoint where the best light is for sitting and reading in. : ) Love your new room - I really like how it's coming together in the pictures that I am seeing!