Don't Be SAD

Picture by Caprice Miller

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

For some, the winter season is considered bleak.  Everything seems so lifeless and bare.  You don’t even have to be outside to feel the cold; just look at a picture like this and that chill runs down your spine.  There is the possibility that those who hold this opinion of winter may also have had to experience it too long at a time.  For those who live in the northern part of the country where winters are long and cold , this could be very true.  There is even a condition named for it – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).   It is brought on by a lack of sun and outdoor activity for a long period of time.  Treatments for it actually include making sure you spend time in the sun, exercise in order to release those “feel good” endorphins and increasing the light around you.  It is easy to imagine how being separated from sunlight and activity can have a negative effect on a person’s outlook.   (Hhhmmm,  seems to be a message in there somewhere.)

For others, this picture is a scene of serenity.  You may not even notice the barren nature of the trees because you are so focused on the beauty of the sunset beyond them.  You are able to see the hope in a scene such as this because you recognize that winter is just a season, even though it is cold and dreary at times.  The future is bright though, because spring is coming.  For those that may be experiencing symptoms of SAD, it is important to not become annoyed with our friends that can see the beauty of the sunset beyond the dead-like trees in the forefront.   Chances are that they have experienced their own SAD season as well. 

As Solomon reminds us, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under the heaven.”  - Ecclesiastes 3:1.  It’s helpful to remember this on our journey in the Christian life.  We can get caught up in believing that we aren’t supposed to experience “winter seasons”.  But we do.  The interesting thing is that it’s in those winter seasons that we can learn the most.  Circumstances happen, it is up to us to choose how we view them and react to them.  Will we let the cold overcome us and see only futility in the situation?  Or will we look beyond the trees and see hope beyond the current circumstances?   Choose to enjoy the view beyond the trees.  Soon, the season will change.  Soon, the warmth of the sun will be felt again.  Soon, the grass will be green again and the flowers will bloom again.  One of the most interesting things about the winter is knowing that beneath the cold surface and within the seemingly dead trees there is life waiting to bloom.  So it is with us. We will go thru seasons of life that are cold and dreary.  Don’t lose hope during these times.  God is working something just below the surface that will be beautiful and amazing when it blooms in us.  Hold on to His promises knowing another season will come.