FRIDAY THOUGHT 12/21/12

December 21, 2012 on 11:24 am | By | In Faith & Forgiveness | 1 Comment

THE DARKEST DAY

Today is the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.  It is the shortest day of the year from sunrise to sunset.  Nature looks grim, devoid of life.  The earth appears dead.  However, we know otherwise.  It is a time of natural, necessary slumber, a time that prepares the world to spring back to life in a few short months.  Without winter, there could be no spring.

It is often the same with us, when darkness comes into our souls.  There have been times in my life when I thought it was over.  My prospects hopeless, my soul seemingly dry as dust, I saw no future, just darkness.  However, looking back, I now know that those were times of inner preparation, times when my soul was quietly healing, growing stronger – no, not sleeping or dead – building strength and setting my spiritual roots more firmly.  Then, when God was ready, my renewed soul would spring forth with more joy, more clarity, and more strength than ever before.

My point:  On this winter solstice day, remember that God sees in the dark.  Grim, challenging times are nothing more than times of renewal and preparation.  Use them as times of reflection, prayer, surrender.  The light does not go out, even though we may not always be able to see it. – jri

“Winter preserves and strengthens a tree.
Rather than expending its strength on the
exterior surface, its sap is forced deeper
and deeper into its interior depth.  In
winter a tougher, more resilient life is
firmly established.  Winter is necessary
for the tree to survive and flourish.”
                    —  Richard J. Foster
                        Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home

Christmas is four days away.  On behalf of Susan and me, I want to take this opportunity to wish you joy and peace during this sacred season.  I also want to thank you for your prayers and support, as well as your patience as I have attempted over  yet another year to share my sometimes self-indulgent faith journey with you.  Also a reminder:  Don’t just believe in God; instead, just believe Him.  He is awesome … always.  God bless you.

John Ingrisano

4279 Hunter Road

Gainesville, GA 30506

www.dailyconnections.net

December 21, 2012

1 Comment

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  1. John, I just wanted to thank you for your daily reflections. It’s amazing how many times your thoughts are just what I need to hear for a particular day! Especially helpful during those “dark hours of the soul”. Hoping you and Susan have a joyful Christmas, and a blessed 2013. Karen and David

    Comment by Karen & David Steinke — December 21, 2012 #

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