So you are already tired of the Seattle weather and it’s only November 1st!

So you are already tired of the Seattle weather and it’s only November 1^st!

How quickly we forget that it was sunny for 48 glorious days and over 70 degrees for 19 consecutive days, hitting 90 degrees five times during the six week streak (Sistek, 2012).

We are fickle human beings. And understandably so. Just look at the contrast between these two pictures. The baron, gray, and dormant trunk that lines the driveway leading to my son’s school are a disparity next to the breathtaking beauty of the fall leaves of yesterday. The difference is dramatic.

But, there is something to be learned in this season of change.

There is a simple reason the trees shed there leaves for the winter. In winter, the soil gets cold and hard making it difficult for a tree’s roots to find enough water to produce food for the leaves or more fruit.  By shedding the leaves or fruit in the fall, the tree has enough water to survive the winter. The bottom line:

The winter is a rest season for the tree.

If we look around us, the season of fall and winter is ushering in a rest season for us as well. The shortened hours of daylight, the colder temperatures, and yes, even the rain. They all beacon us to a slower, cozier, warmer, more reflective lifestyle. Instead of hating Seattle weather, we can choose to embrace the opportunity to slow down and match the rhythm of nature.

Think of the things you love: A down blanket and a good book. A pile of crafts with your children.  Building relationships around fireplaces and comfort food. The smell of apple pie. A walk in the rain in a pair of new rain boots. Your first sight of snow.  Instead of resisting a nap on a dark rainy afternoon, try giving into it and forget your to-do list.

If you are a Christ follower, let this season be about resting and listening to God instead of doing for God. Second Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” Another word for beholding is attentiveness. Scripture tells us that our transformation comes from nothing less than beholding and being attentive to the Lord. This comes from the Holy Spirit, not from anything we do or earn.

Next time you look out your window and see rain, take it as an invitation to put down your to-do list and your sunny expectations and decide to rest and receive what this season has for you. This is my challenge to you today.

Sistek, S. (2012, September 10). 14 minutes of rain. Retrieved from http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/169122256.html