Winter Blues
Sun poked through the blanket named winter sky. Bright, it seemed to bathe the world in a different robe, a different color. I noticed this sunshine, the attraction it lured my eyes with, as it became my only focal point. A strong pull, a gentle tug, I glanced its way and heeded its call. Warmth bathed my exposed skin with grace like softened butter. Though remnants of ice and snow dotted the landscape around me, in the still of the moment, all I could feel was glow. My skin swelled rejoicing, reaching for the energy I felt; I wanted more. Raised bumps traded chill for comfort. I needed more. I craved for more. Life. Finally.
If you can relate to this, you are not alone. There have been millions of people all across the northern hemisphere struggling with the cold that old man winter has brought the past two weeks. Even in places that ordinarily do not feel the dread of the cold, such as central Texas, people were amazed at what a little dose of winter can feel like.
I saw on Facebook recently the pictures being passed around. There were sights of frozen blocks of ice where ice normally shouldn’t be. There were people amazed at how beautiful the snow was, but also concerned with its dangers. There are many people in the south that don’t have heat; pipes were drained, homes abandoned, as protection and safety were sought out.
When winter is a temporary thing, it might even seem fun. Kids are excited to see snow; maybe it is their first encounter with it. Jack frost can make anything fun for a minute, no?
But we aren’t all kids standing in awe. Winter has issues that come with it, ones that adults can't overlook. Is the seasonal exchange always so anticipated?
What happens when it is not?
Whether you believe in seasonal sadness or not, it is a real struggle for many people. Regardless of the scientific or medical standpoint, everybody feels better when we are no longer confined to being indoors. There is valid weight and credence to the struggling feelings and emotions that are brought on with the onset of winter. During the long lull in which winter refuses to release its grip, many of us are worn down, and feelings of discouragement and despair can arise. If you happen to be one of those who deem seasonal sadness as an old wive’s tale or farce. . . all you need to do is take a trip to Alaska, where it is documented that nearly 10% of the state’s population suffers from the disorder (https://www.achievemedicalcenter.com/blog-post/how-to-cope-with-seasonal-affective-disorder-during-an-alaskan-winter).
Think of it. The need to be outside. The craving to be active outdoors. Running in the yard again in bare feet. Being at the park. The tickle of the grass on sensitive feet. How alluring are those types of thoughts?
Here in my neck of the woods, Pennsylvanian’s are crazy enough to listen to a groundhog for insight to our weather. Each February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil crawls out of his warm and cozy home to whisper into the ear of one who claims can hear him. It’s called Groundhog Day. I know. Crazy. Each year we are told what he says. Each year we complain that he isn’t right. How bad do we all long for winter to be over!
How many of us are longing to get back into the swing of things and throw our cabin fever out the window? How many of us are ready to get that first nice tan? Perhaps a jog on the city track? A walk without a coat? Aren’t you ready to open the windows and let some fresh air blow in? Hey, I’ve even seen a photo of a nephew online without a shirt trying to suntan on a heap of snow!
Sometimes the mind just needs a break.
I was reminded of this yesterday, when it looked so sunny and pretty out the window yet was very chilling in the actual elements of nature. My wife and I went to a park nearby to walk and talk with some friends. Gorgeous to the eyes, nature stunned us everywhere. Though we were in awe of how nice the scene looked, we quickly realized it was much colder than we thought. The brightness of a frozen lake bounced the glare of sunshine. Beauty was everywhere, but we could only enjoy it for so long.
The car heater thawed our frozen bodies as we had to head away.
Due to my own cabin fever (I’m an outside boy at heart), I thought it might be nice to post something relevant to all those facing this struggle, and some recommendations for those who deal with this firsthand. I’m sure there are countless self-help sources available online for those in need. Artificial lighting, being active with sufficient physical exercise, being social with others. . . these things all help the struggling soul. I would encourage you to look into these types of things as they show promise and aid.
Although all these things can help someone suffering from seasonal depression, the greatest source of dependability can be found in God’s word.
Psalm 74:15-17 helps us when the natural world seems to be standing against us.
You split open springs and brooks;
you dried up ever-flowing streams.
Yours is the day, yours also the night;
you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
you have made summer and winter.
Quite possibly one of the most reassuring themes in any situation, is to know that God is the one ultimately in control.
To know that the all-powerful God of creation can dry the streams up, is to know that he can do anything. The Psalmist continues, letting us know that God made both day and night. Night may not be a fun place to go when it’s scary, dark, and evils are trying to snare you. But isn’t night essential for us as humans who need a good night’s sleep? Isn’t it the truth that a perfect God made exactly what the world needs to spin, keep time, and grow?
There are things about nature that we haven’t the foggiest clue about. Night, may be one of them.
And yes, he has established all the stars in the sky. His working power is glorious to be able to sustain it all. He fixed the boundaries of the earth, something you and I could never do.
And then, the simple phrase that seems to make it all better.
“You have made summer and winter.”
If I can encourage anybody out there, I want it to be by the mouth of our own Lord himself. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Psalmist penned these precious words for you to latch your heart to. God made both summer AND winter. There is a need for both. There is a reason for the change of the seasons. And if God himself as our creator knew in his infinite knowledge that it is important, then we can take comfort that God knows what he is doing. We can trust him. The load is taken off our shoulders. A smile can come to our wear eyes. Yes, we need to do the physical things available for us to find relief. But God's Word. . .
It makes it easier.
He made BOTH summer AND winter.
Today, if you are struggling with seasonal sadness, I challenge you to get out and let the sun touch your skin. I challenge you to get involved with those in your church and be social. I challenge you to get enough exercise, whether indoors or out. Go out and walk around the frozen lake. Do something that makes you smile.
But most of all, I challenge you to take this scripture passage and put it close to your heart.
Today I want to open up the lines of communication. Maybe there is someone really struggling with this among those who read this blog. If you are a Christian who has found something that really helps you, write in to the comments section and bless someone with what has helped you. Share the wealth! Help someone out.
In the meantime, try not to shoot too many darts or arrows at old Punxsutawney Phil. Hang in there. Hang on to God's Word. It will shake away the winter blues.
God has you. He can hold you.
Spring is coming!
By Chuck Carr