We are going through a series of gorgeous early fall days where I live. The kind of days that just make you feel glad to be alive. The kind of days where the sky is popsicle blue and there are no clouds except for a few wisps here and there serving to accentuate the blue of the sky.
The kind of days where the sun is hot and bright and you just want to sit and bask in the warm glow of it. The kind of days where you wish all you had to do was count the butterflies on the zinnias and marvel at the intricacies of their God-painted patterns.
I find myself wanting to store up all these days that I can. I am like the squirrels who are busy in the fall stashing acorns in the hollows of trees for their winter supply. I want to store up the memory of these days, stacking them in my heart until there's no more room, hoarding them until there's no room for the barren winter.
My struggle with depression and negative thinking is a daily battle. My sensitive personality tends to the melancholy and my moods go up and down with the sunlight. On days like today I'm reminded that Jesus is my "Son-light" and that He is always with me. If I keep my eyes focused on Him I can make it through the dark days and the coming winter, and can win the victory over discontent and coldness of soul.
"I can never escape from Your Spirit! I can never get away from Your presence! If I go up to heaven you are there, if I go down to the grave, You are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night-but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To You the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to You", Psalm 139:7-12. NLT
I totally understand the perils of gray, dark days. I do so much better in the spring & summer, when the sun cooperates and I have a sense of well being. That said, I'm learning to be grateful for the gray & damp. It's my season for socks & reading; for fires & popcorn; for flannel sheets & brisk morning air.
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy I battle with SAD & depression also, I even bought one of those sunlamps years ago~didn't work. I live in the woods so my house is dark even on the sunniest day so what I end up doing when the gloom sets in (aside from prayer) is to place a bright bouquet of silk flowers in each room. And look at beautiful bright pictures on the internet.
ReplyDelete(Philippians 4:8)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
~Blessings & Sonshine In Jesus~
Peggy thank you for an encouraging post, despite the daily struggles you have. ((((Peggy))))
ReplyDeleteYes, I have learned to lean on him during the dark days. Love butterflies and squirrels.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Tammy
I just love fall with the crisp air, falling colored leaves.....and being Jewish it's the start of a new year and that always makes me feel like great things are going happen. Hope you have a great weekend Peggy...Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteI think we all go through that stage, differing in degrees maybe, but having one purpose...to be drawn closer to the Lord. It's only laying everything at His feet that helps us realize we can't truly do it alone. So glory be to our good God! Blessings to you sister and have a great weekend. May you always have more sweet mem'ries knowing your heart will never run out of room! A special storage indeed! :)
ReplyDeletePeggy, thank you so much for dropping by. God certainly is a redeeming God and I look forward to hearing more of how He is working in your life. I have to surrender to Him every day as He continues to do a good work in me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers
Although I don't battle with depression, I have a melancholy personality, Peggy, so your words and sensitive nature resonate with me. I can't wait for the cool brisk air (still 90.) Gray is okay; I get motivated! I'm a winter baby. Your writings reach down deep into the places of my heart. I love to see your name on my roster and you never disappoint with your beautiful writings.
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