For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. – Hebrews 3:14 NLT

A cold front came and brought with it a wintry blast of cold air. Plunging temperatures and strong winds lingered for days. For some people it was an unwanted change in the weather, but I do admit I loved every minute of it. Yes, I must be a winter girl. My husband reminds me that he was always the one shoveling snow and cleaning cars and I was just an observer from the warmth on the inside! He’s right. Sometimes the dogs and I played in the snow while he worked. On social media I thoroughly enjoy seeing photos of backyards covered in the white stuff. Children playing, dogs and horses romping around in excitement. We can grumble at this wintry interruption of snow and frigid temperatures that chill us to the bone, or we can enjoy and appreciate the wonder of it. Cold weather refreshes me and lifts my spirit, particularly if snow is involved. Maybe for a few minutes it takes us back to the days of youth when we dried off our mittens and hats by the roaring fire. And maybe if you were like me, you got to wear your dad’s boots with extra socks to make those first footprints in the snow. How safe I felt wearing his boots. Yes, I suppose I equate sweet innocence with cold weather and snow. Doesn’t everybody!

There is a sweet innocence in trusting God, even when we can’t see or understand what is happening around us. I think that is joy everlasting. I am filled with gratitude that we have Him to place our hope in. To trust in. To love, especially knowing He loves us back, no matter what. Life can get complicated. Sadness and grief strike without warning. An avalanche of emotions takes over and we begin the struggle of coping. An emotional wintry blast can come leaving us numb, stunned and cold. But God always has the answer. Yes, in times of despair in my life, I have cried, sat in the dark in the middle of the night in confusion, but God brings us out and up and over. Every time. He allows us to bask in his Light and warmth. He provides a path to walk on. He carries us when we can’t walk. He provides boundaries, guidance and love for our journey. He refreshes us. With Him, we can face anything.  Put your faith in Him.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com or read additional Reflections at www.betsyoreglass.com.

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