The cold February winds blow against my window

causing it to rattle

and shake.

Daffodils are growing taller by the minute

but it’s still a long way till Spring.

Tiny buds on the trees;

new growth on my rose bush

but another dusting of snow last night.

Life pulls us in seemingly opposite directions.

Indications of growth and moving forward

but then sudden setbacks.

seeming to mock any progress.

Growth is more often than not

three steps forward

two steps back.

All too often when we find ourselves going backwards

we panic and beat up on ourselves

with ‘shoulds’ and ‘coulds’.

Discouragement seeps in.

But like one season transitioning to another

a step backwards is not final.

No, it’s only one more opportunity to start pushing forward again.

Our vision is important.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18

God has a vision of drawing all to Himself.

Constantly working,

in ways we often cannot see,

He transforms the wounded soul

into a man and woman of faith.

Emptied of self and filled with His Spirit.

Keep your eyes on Jesus

the Author and Finisher of your faith,

rather than on your little progress or lack of it.

Instead of constantly taking your own spiritual temperature

allow Him to do in you what He has promised.

Step into the flow of His Spirit

Feed on His Word

and you will discover a peace that passes all understanding.

Letting go of what lies behind

and pressing forward.

Grow little daffodils grow.

Your time will come.

Never fear those harsh cold winds.

They are coming to pass.

And so are yours.