So why do we need January????

 

Well here it is the 19^th of January and I have been wondering what on earth I could write about that would have meaning and value to the reader (if there are any).  The month of January has always been my least favorite seasons and I am sure there are many reasons that I can cite for those feelings.  As a child, I always felt that the month of January and maybe a little of February was a dark and dearie time, and compared to the excitement of the preceding holiday season (October – December), it was definitely a let down!  Of course when you add to that feeling the failed attempts to start new and refreshed habits, I often wonder why God even created January.  As an adult, this dread compounded when several bad events happened to my husband and me during this month.  Without going into specific details, let’s just say that today I equate the month of January to mean loss.

This year, however, I was determined to stay away from the never-ending negative thoughts that come with this month, and instead try to keep my focus on the positive and good things in my life.  Some days are harder than others, but if you look closely at each day and the beauty and blessing that are there, it is easier to smile and thank God for the gift of beauty and peace.  So far this month, we finally got some serious winter weather that included many snowy days, and many foggy and gloomy days with heavy frost.  Instead of complaining about having to shovel snow or defrost windshields, I choose instead to say thank you for the help I received from a neighbor and friends.  And I got to admire the beauty of the entire landscape being covered with frost and icicles.

So do I still dislike January?   Well change takes time and I cannot expect a miracle overnight! I have learned to appreciate little joys such as listening to my little canine friend has he runs at full speed down the hallway every morning hoping to encourage me to move faster to open the door for “potty-time” and breakfast.  He also makes me smile and sometimes laugh-out-loud when he sits on my lap and pushes the cellphone away from my view so that I will pay more attention to him. I know that God has placed him in this season of my life for the sole purpose of giving me warm company and many smiles.

So what brings you happiness during the gloomy and depressing months?   One of my favorite authors, Rick Warren has stated many times that …”the more grateful you are, the happier you are.”  I need to remember that….