Invited to Rest

It was one of those remarkable winter days—full of bright sunlight and clear skies—following a day of thick gray clouds and snowfall. The snow had fallen long enough to cover the ground inches deep, and the clouds had disappeared. A gust of wintry wind lifted icy snowflakes back into the air, where they briefly glinted in the sunlight before settling softly elsewhere. The subzero temperatures made it a perfect day to enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape…from the warmth of my sofa.

White and blue filled my vision, and I imagined the hidden ground gently inviting me to join in deep rest—to enjoy the view of the soft blue sky—a lovely ceiling floating above a smooth fluffy comforter of white. As I gazed out the window, drawn into the calm, a palpable stillness settled over me. My breath slowed, and my body and mind relaxed. Peace stepped in, and joy softly followed. Everything else drifted away.

What a gift—this invitation spoken through the voice of the earth—snugly tucked in—showing me how right and good it is to rest. To nestle in under the covers. To release the pull of busyness for the day. If the earth that brings forth life needs deep rest, don't we all? 

It’s true that warmer days are coming, and that soon, buds will bloom and seeds will sprout in a flurry of growth—something to look forward to. But this moment– it was time to relish a day divinely designed for rest. And so I accepted the invitation to sit awhile with calm, rest, and peace 

These invitations are around us, my friends, in these final days of winter, waiting for us to simply say yes—God's gift of beauty, silently speaking to us through the voice of the season.