The beginnings of spring within your winter

Dec. 21 was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year – not much daylight. On that evening, there was a worship service held at the Moses Lake United Methodist Church. It is referred to as a “Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas” service, and was offered especially for those who found it difficult to celebrate during that time of year. They may have experienced some form of loss. The holidays may have changed significantly for them because of “death.”

We usually associate death with the passing of a fellow human being, but what I am talking about is more general. Yes, this could involve the loss of a loved-one, but also challenging health issues with you or another, recent unemployment, divorce, escalating family conflicts, etc. This could be any form of loss, whether temporary or permanent, that involves what once was.

If we live long enough, we will experience many forms of death. When we do, it may seem that we have been shoved, dropped or jolted into an unwelcomed reality that was not of our own volition. However, it has chosen us – for whatever reasons – leaving us grasping, desperately searching for ways to cope.

So, now that I’ve cheered you up, I have a suggestion.

If any of the above applies, as strange as this may sound, use these as opportunities. When you are visited by some form of death, choose to move in a positive direction.

Seek community with people who will listen and understand. Take up the habit of daily devotions, if you have not done so before. Read Scripture and reflect. Read deep thinking, reflective works, such as those by Thomas Merton. Find ways of reaching outside of yourself and become more giving in memory of your loss. Use your imagination – and act.

When you are finally ready to move forward, by whatever means necessary, force spring to come early within your winter.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.