Not yet

Looking out our window one morning this past week, I noticed a robin hopping around our front lawn happily finding and enjoying worms. I noticed for the first time our yard wasn’t completely covered with snow. The tiny bird had plenty of ground available to him to look for his delicious breakfast. I watched for a minute while enjoying a thought: Spring is coming.

I headed to the kitchen to grab some water and my usual cup of coffee, then returned to the living room for my morning routine. My new little friend outside was still yanking for grubs. Then it happened. Fluffy snowflakes began falling. My former thought got quickly replaced with: But winter is not quite over.

As I sat down to journal, I couldn’t help but be grateful for the incredibly vivid picture of what we all face in life. What was happening outside happens to all of us. We’re sure spring is coming because it always does. We look forward to:

New growth.

New life.

New beginnings.

New warmth.

But we’re not quite there yet. We’re in a season of “not yet”. Winter is not completely over and we (perhaps wearily) wait and long for something fresh and new. If this is where you are, I grieve with you. One of the best gifts I’ve received is people’s loving presence in the midst of grief. They pursue me and and don’t have to say much because their hug says it all.

Last week, I shared about the importance of laughter. This week, I want to equally emphasize the importance of tears. I learned that tears of grief have a different composition compared to other types of tears. A friend had to replace her contact lenses when she was in a season of huge loss because her tears of grief ruined them.

Imagine holding in all those sorrowful tears. If they can ruin contact lenses, how much more is it hurting our souls? So if you haven’t given yourself permission, go ahead and weep if you need to…that your winter season is not over and you’re still waiting for spring. It’s not a sign of weakness but of marvelous strength. And in your weeping, an invitation is available to all:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” (~ Jesus)

If you’re not in a season of winter, remember that one of the best gifts you can give is weeping with those who weep. Not letting them rush through their pain, fixing, or making things better. Simply your loving presence.

Spring is coming. Until then…

Let the tears of winter flow out.