There is nothing so beautiful as a blanket of crystalline snow and nothing quite so dreary as watching it melt. The pure sparkle that stretches forever seems to provide a covering, a sheer linen that hides the earth’s blemishes and promotes radiance. The sun’s rays grant a magical touch, a newness over a path that has been well-worn and trodden all year long. But, in the whiteness, the path is intriguing, beckoning me to brave the weather and leave my prints upon its crust.

Wintertime can be a time of loneliness and solitude, when friends are separated, and regular activities cease. But what a chance to search the soul! This time spent inside and isolated is the perfect time to evaluate who I am, where I am going, and where I hope to be. What path am I on? Did I purposely carve it and seek hard after it? Am I spending my days racing toward goals I know are good and healthy and whole? Or am I being washed in a current of some else’s design? Am I struggling to keep my footing? Have I lost sight of where I want to go?

I am a big believer in setting goals and imagining a much better version of myself somewhere down the road. This “me” is strong and healthy, she is organized, she is kind. She responds to others with grace, and she makes time for what is important. Once in a blue moon I see  a glimpse of that girl, but most of the time I am shade of what she could be. However, I never give up moving toward the better me. 

It is important, on the down days, to reset my mind and commit myself to the daily habits that nurture the goodness in me. I hope you, too, have had a chance to rest, to reflect, and to recharge your body and soul. I hope that as this snow melts and exposes the dirty slag beneath that you deal with your dirt… recognize and pull out your weeds, and let God work in you, bringing your beauty to surface to reflect His radiance as you face this week ahead.