The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In a small town like ours, winter has a way of settling deep into our days. The sun sets a little earlier, the mornings feel a little colder, and sometimes the quiet stretch between December and spring can make our hearts feel heavy. We all know that feeling, the “winter blues”, when our thoughts drift toward the negative and everything just seems a little dimmer.
But what if this year, instead of letting the winter blues take over, we turned them into winter blessings?
The truth is, negative thoughts can sneak in easily when the world outside feels frozen. Sometimes I start feeling lonely, discouraged, or stuck in the same routine. But winter can offer us a beautiful chance to slow down, reset, and turn our thoughts toward something good or toward Someone good.
One of the simplest ways to shift a negative thought is to pause and replace it with gratitude. When I catch myself thinking, “I’m so tired of this cold,” I’ve tried to start saying, “Thank You, Lord, for a warm home.” When you start feeling isolated, turn it into an opportunity to reach out. You could send a message, make a call, or drop off a small treat for a friend or neighbor. A simple act of kindness has a way of warming not only their heart, but yours too.
Another powerful way to turn winter blues around is to get into God’s Word. Even just a few minutes of scripture can bring light into the darkest days. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Winter might dim the world outside, but Jesus continues to shine bright. He meets us right where we are. This year I have made it my mission to get in the Word daily and it has helped my mindset tremendously. Maybe it can help you too during these cold days.
And maybe the most beautiful reminder of all is that even winter has a purpose. Trees look bare, fields look empty, and the world seems still, but beneath the surface, new life is preparing to bloom. God often works the same way in us. What feels like a dull, quiet, slow season can actually be a season of growth, healing, and preparation for the blessings ahead.
So this winter I challenge you to look for the good. Take walks when you can. Step outside and breathe in the cold crisp air. Write down three things each day that made you smile. Spend time in prayer, even if it’s just a whispered “thank you Jesus” on your way out the door.