I think everyone should have a dwarf fruit tree, mine happens to be lemon.

The instructions that came with the tree told me it would take 24-36 months before fruit would begin to grow.

At this juncture, 12 of those months are behind me & I’m enjoying a new set of blossoms that also showed up about this time 12 months ago.

While I enjoy and can appreciate a season of cold, winter weather, adjusting to the long Colorado cold has been an exercise in patience.

That exercise of patience with the tangible world has paralleled a season of winter living in the soul.

Hunkering down, bundling up tight in the promises given from God’s Word…

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)

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“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

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“He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

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“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires.” (Isaiah 54:13)

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“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18

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And on the list goes, promise after promise that served as reminders through a long, harsh winter of the soul that He is God, seated on the throne, not to be denied, and mighty to save, comfort, and bind up.

But I’m fickle and I need reminders often.

I get distracted and weary.

Even with His words of life tucked in tight, my heart still faints within in me.

He is so kind.

Offering reminders in my moments as well as my mind.

Small buds, bursting forth in spite of windy, cold weather occurring 10 inches beyond the wall behind them.

And I’m reminded again to see Him in the midst of the small moments.

To rejoice in the life He desires and can cultivate in the midst of seemingly impossible circumstances.

The forward, pursuit of growth over many months that will, in time, produce luscious fruit.

For the promises, I am thankful.

And for all of creation that unabashedly, in quiet tones, proclaims the promises to be true…I am in awe.

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