This morning I made a decision. As I looked out at yet another snowfall blanketing the earth, I decided to look beyond what I saw. I did not conjecture about how many days it will take the snow to melt. I did not grumble that the calendar says spring and even my hoodie isn’t keeping me warm. I did not calculate how many snow (and sick) days this winter held. It’s not that those thoughts didn’t hover, I simply chose to replace them.
- The sun is shining and the pavement is already clear—a wonderful contrast to yesterday’s gray.
- Sap is flowing through the bare trees—soon they will sprout green buds with the promise of leafy cover.
- Beneath the snow crocuses and daffodils are pushing upward—their purple and yellow heads ready to break through and dot the earth with color.
- The dormant grass appears dead, but it’s rousing and will again grow green and lush.
- Though they now look like bushes of brown sticks, buds are forming and in weeks cascading azaleas will shower yellow flowers.
- As spring stubbornly presses forward, sweaters, scarves and socks will be traded for shorts, shirts and sandals.
- Gentle rains and warm breezes will assuredly replace driving snow and frigid gusts.
My choice of thoughts paid off. I feel refreshed, happy. Sweetness replaced my sour mood. Anticipation traded places with lethargy. I highly recommend thought-replacement therapy!
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Prov. 17:22)
Lord, I always have a choice. When my hopes and dreams are buried beneath blankets of disappointment, remind me that your purposes prevail. Seasons are temporary but you are undaunted. Though I may not see it, you are active beneath the snow.