Fall and Winter

In everyone's life, there are seasons. Summer, winter, spring and fall.  These seasons in life change constantly and we often go through all four in a few days, or all in one day.  We all rejoice during spring and summer, but have a hard time during fall and winter.  It is often hard to see past the  harshness of the pouring rain and howling wind and see the beauty it holds.  But if we look close enough, if we take a step back, we can see the majesty in even the darkest moments.  

 What I have learned on this journey is that, no matter how hard the winds blow, how fast the once bright leaves wither and fall, no matter how much it rains and snows, there is beauty to be seen.  For, even in winters darkest days, even when the leaves fall and it looks and feels like everything is falling apart, God is working his magic.  Without the winds and rain of fall, without the snow and dark, the world would be able to awaken anew, and full of promise in the spring, and summers warmth and beauty could be appreciated. 

Is it easy to see the beauty through the rain?  Is it easy to feel warmth and see love through the wind?   Is it easy to find the bright spot in the dark winter day?  No.  But if it were easy to see any of that, it would not be worth looking for.  Opposition and struggle are constant.  Misunderstanding, ignorance, thoughtless comments, and hurtful remarks are a constant plague. Does that mean we should shy from the path God has placed us on or turn our backs on the fall and winter days? Absolutely not.

I will continue to search for the beauty that winter holds, looking for the lesson that God is trying to teach me.  I will continue to take a stand for what I believe and what I feel.  I will stand up for myself and my life choices.  I will not back down, I will continue to push ahead on this path placed before me.  And I will not let opposition, hurtful remarks, or misunderstanding deter me.  I have no anger, hate or animosity towards those that say things that cause pain, or those that say something in ignorance without realizing how it comes across.  I realize that those who have not walked the same path, have no understanding of what goes on in the lives, minds, and hearts of those on the adoption journey. 

I understand people needing to put their two cents in and not realizing how hurtful those two cents can be.  These moments of misunderstanding can make the winter moments of this journey harder to bear.  But a lot can be learned, and taught, during moments of misunderstanding and pain.  And I know that God made these moments of fall and winter, just as he made the moments of spring and summer.  So, I will rejoice and praise him, even in the darkest, coldest of winter days.