“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28 NKJV
In recent years I’ve learned the Danish term “hygge” and have great appreciation for creating coziness when the weather is not cozy. Although I’ve lived in SW Florida since I was ten, the snow belt of the NY Lake Ontario coast was the first coast I knew with it’s blizzards, snowdrifts and grey days; shaking off the cold as you welcome the warmth of the indoors. Creating and enjoying a warm atmosphere brings to mind fireplaces, candle glow, steaming mugs of hot drinks or soups, warm socks, reading books under piles of blankets – you get the idea.
This year I learned that in Norway, the time between Christmas and New Year’s Day is called “Romjul” – around Yule/Christmas. Consider it space to create and recreate after the holiday doings and before stepping into 2022, time to pause, reconsider, just chill and slow down enough to dream again and plan a little. I’ve settled into this space and let it reenergize me, adjust my focus and take time to allow a settling and reset before embarking on the new year with a fresh start.
We’re just a few hours away from 2022 yet most of us have a few hours of space this weekend to experience Romjul before truly embarking into the new year. I encourage you to find some space and settle in, breathe deeply. Then take a few moments to consider those around you, express your thankfulness (no matter if it can only be for the little things), give of yourself – your time, your attention, your love. Our lives can change in the timespan of a heartbeat, truly – one heartbeat. It happened to our family; we were totally turned upside down. What will rock your world? Maybe something already has and you’re reeling from it. In the midst of that life-storm, God knows; He’s “got this.” His plans for us do not end as we are hurt or suffer, as our bodies decline nor as they pass away, rather His plans for us extend into and throughout eternity. We’ve only just begun. You’ve likely heard, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”. Take a moment today to reflect on the gift of today and to be a gift by being “present” with those around you. It will be well worth your time.
Father, we cherish times of rest and reflection. Help us to open ourselves to receiving Your refreshing, Your rest, and the comfort from Holy Spirit, that we may be able to comfort those who are troubled. (2 Corinthians 1:4 NKJV)
SONG LINK:
John Williams “Hogwart’s Great Hall Compilation”
For Those Who Care 
I’m late reading this, but found it pleasant even here at the end of February. I was just advised that I need to deeply rest. I’m not even sure I know how to do that. This inspired me though to take time this evening to make a fire in the fireplace, a cup of something hot, then I’ll just sit and look at the fire for awhile and let my mind be still. I so appreciate your writing style…it is easy on the mind. Thanks for sharing the journey you walked and continue to walk, Donna.
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