Good Saturday Morning,
I hope you have had a wonderful week. Here, in Arkansas, we have seen rain, snow, and ice...not a lot of it...just enough to make you want to stay home, cuddled up, and hide from what is going on outdoors.
I will be honest, I am NOT a cold-weather person. A little of it goes a long way with me.
And so, on January 1st, begins a tradition that my mom (82) and I started years ago...a tradition that lifts spirits and gives encouragement to all of those who suffer from "lack of sunshine" depression...or discouragement.
In our area, there are lakes and trails and dirt roads to explore. We plant flowers and gardens and bushes, we spend a lot of time outdoors in the glorious sunshine. When we are cooped up for too long, it can be discouraging...even depressing too many.
And so, on January 1st, we begin our annual tradition of telling everyone that "Spring is on the way."
Whenever we hear someone complaining about the weather, we simply smile and say "Spring is on the way!"
These 5 little words "Spring is on the way," is like a ray of sunshine...a lifeline to many who suffer from winter depression...even for those who are simply ready for Spring.
These 5 little words offer hope, lifts spirits and speak promises of a bright and sunny future.
These 5 little words will put a smile on faces... change attitudes, and encourage.
These 5 little words will cause people to start talking about gardening and flowers and summer plans...I have witnessed it!
Winter depression is real...it affects many who have not seen the sun for a while. Spring is the one thing that they can hang onto...hope for...depend on...a lifeline.
How can you be that lifeline, that hope, that encouragement to those who suffer from depression? How can your words...even 5 simple little words...be a beacon of light? How can you be the encouragement that lifts them up...that helps them to hang on...that makes a difference?
By simply looking around and being that light...that hope...that beacon to someone who is suffering. 5 little words of hope...of encouragement...of kindness...can make all the difference in the world!
What are your 5 little words? What 5 little words will you have ready and available to share when you see someone who needs a little hope?
I once spoke with my Pastor about a friend who committed suicide at the age of 18. He told me that most people who commit suicide do so as the result of a spur of the moment decision and that if people would only wait on the light of a new day...everything would have looked different.
Be that light! That hope! That lifeline!
Be encouraged today..."Spring is on the way".
Whatever you are going through right now, know that "Spring is on the Way." Winter (or whatever you are facing) will pass away...a new and glorious "sunny" tomorrow is just around the corner!
FYI...This is not what I sat down to write today...Apparently, God had other plans. Perhaps, someone...somewhere needed to hear this today. Or, perhaps we all needed a little reminder that we should be the "Salt and Light (SUNSHINE)" to those around us.
I love it when God has a plan!
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
Have a beautiful, blessed day filled with God's love and blessings. Be His Amazing LIGHT to someone today!! I have been praying for you this morning. Keep teaching those Kiddo's...they need to hear!
"Spring is on the way"...And just to prove it... I actually saw my Iris's (flowers) peeping up through the leaves a couple of days ago...Yep, Spring is on the way!!
Feel free to share with everyone you meet!
What are your 5 words? Let me hear in the comment section below!