It’s appropriate that a New Year comes with winter. Winter weather cleans the air and eventually brings a new spring through the preparation of the soil and the seeds. The New Year and winter work new beginnings and the possibility of starting again. Along with resolutions for the New Year are regrets and some sadness of the past year which must be reconciled. Our losses, especially the loss of a family member or friend can bring a winter to the soul that leaves us cold, dark, alone and hopeless. We discover, as we endure the winter, that we must face those emotions and realities in order to embrace the emotions and realities of the New Year. As sure as God has promised us spring after winter,deliverance after trouble, he promised healing after hurt and restoration after loss – Life After Loss – that’s the lesson of winter and New Year – it’s also the lesson of our future, or new identity after grief.

Our love never ends, that too is the promise of God – So even as the song says, “But as long as you love me so (and grief is the flip- side of love) let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.”

I can face the winter with the warm memories of my loves, and the promise of God.

Gods comfort,