Don't Fear the Bears!

It is already late fall, where did this year go?  The autumn season is quickly approaching official winter where it is time to rest, to hibernate, and to reflect on what this year has brought into our lives.

This year has brought many things in our family to celebrate and many things to pray for. I am thankful for those wonderful things to celebrate as they bring joy and new life. And I am thankful for those things to pray about as it makes fresh to me to be thankful for those I care deeply about and appreciate the time and memories I've shared with them.  Now it is time to follow the bears. It's time to hibernate and recharge.

Just like the seasons that come upon us here in the Midwest, we have reason to celebrate the season and to hibernate.  

In the fall, I find myself wanting to be outside, putting things in order, and preparing things to brace against the long, cold winter. In my personal life I take time to organize things that have gotten out of control over the busy outside seasons. Making new goals for the next new year.

The woods behind our house during the fall

 But, in the winter we have the opportunity to hibernate, to rest. The beginning of winter finds us all still trying to find our groove. We try to slow down, often times getting caught up in the "things" we impose upon ourselves, such as parties to attend, presents to buy, goodies to bake.... But we should follow the seasons, and allow ourselves to slow down and rest, just like the bears and other critters that we notice AREN'T around during the winter.  We shouldn't fear this time of hibernation, instead, look at this season as a time of renewal. If we approach this season intentionally, we can make the best of what seems to be a long, cold, dark season.  During the winter, we can choose to purposefully slow down our pace. Intentionally enjoy our moments at home with our families, to rest and recharge for the new season coming soon.

The woods behind our house during the winter

These months that come so quickly and seems to stay around too long, aren't to be dreaded. Instead, consider them a time to reflect on what this quickly fading year has brought. If you felt a void, take the time to refill. What was it that made you feel that way? What can you do different in this coming new year?  Take this time to hibernate, rest, and reflect on what it is that you are really wanting to to accomplish in the new year.  Don't fear the bears!  Take your cue from them. Recharge! Renew! Refresh!