Since it is a new year, I decided to change the background on my blog. I was presented with many choices. At first, I selected one with various shades of gray. Gray is a color that could best describe me during the month of January. But then, God brought this dandelion to my attention.
Remember blowing on a dandelion as a young child?
Making a wish.
Hoping your wish would come true.
Isn't it amazing how much trust we place in a weed to fulfill a dream? Even blowing out candles on a birthday cake or throwing coins into a fountain = silly + ridiculous when you sit and think about it.
I must admit: I'm guilty. Guilty of placing hope in nothing that could deliver my heart's true desire. My desires change with the wind...or in today's case, the temperature. I desire to be warm today. To feel the sun on my face, while facing the waves, on a beach in the Caribbean.
Sitting in front of a space heater, wearing two layers of clothes just doesn't compare.
When I started this blog, I made a promise that no matter what I was going through, I would NOT complain. Only positive chatter. Like my blog title describes, "Being mindful of the blessings poured out on me daily..."
But today, I must tell you something that I
I HATE winter. January is a cold, gray, disgusting reminder of how far I must look into my calendar to find my friend: Summer. So while I type, I dream of summer and will explain to you a little more as to why I detest Mr. Winter.
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. It is a disease that affects your thyroid. Your thyroid is what controls your body's temperature. Hence, my body's temperature is always cold.
Even with multiple layers. Even with the heater on. Even with my Snuggie AND a blanket. Even when everyone else could be sweating and declaring, "IT'S HOT!!", I would still be cold.
It's a cold that doesn't cease. A cold that is buried deep down in my bones.
Some days, it even reaches my soul.
It's hard to find hope, when the solution (summer sun) seems so far away.
Those are the days I must turn my face, not to the sun, but to the One.
The One who gives Hope.
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." ~ Psalm 62:5-6
Here's hoping you find warmth in Him...and maybe with a cup of hot chocolate, too!
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." ~ Romans 12:12
What lovely reminders of where we draw our strength and HOPE from. I have an idea for you to play with...and I say this with the most gentle and loving intent. You know the difference between a flower and a weed is a judgement. What if you were to pull the judgements off of ole Mr. Hashimoto and instead call him a friend, embrace him and give him credit for the lessons this experience has brought you. I love you dear sister in God and want the best for you always!
ReplyDeleteWise words from such a wonderful friend. You have given me much to consider and ponder during my time of hibernation! As a child, I thought a dandelion WAS a flower (well, it really is what is left of one). It's only with my older, more cynical vision that I now see it as a weed. Oh, to have the innocent, non-judgemental eyes of a child again! I love you, too!
ReplyDelete