Woke up one mornin' the wind through the window
Reminded me winter was just 'round the bend
Somehow I just didn't see it was comin'
It took me by surprise again

These are words from a song called "Old Tennessee" by none other than Dan Folgelberg.  It's been running through my head today as I look out the window and see the leaves dropping and giving way to the winter season.  I hug my coffee cup and smile while the melody meanders through my head, painting pictures of real life and a scene I am blessed to see beyond the panes of glass here in my home.

This season is interesting to me.  We know life is out there, but it snuggles down under layers of brown and gray - and eventually white as December and January usher in ice and snow.  Perhaps this analogy is somewhat cliche', but I believe it is no accident that we find so many symmetries to our own lives simply by looking out the window!  

I went through quite a "winter" season these past few years as my family struggled through various health issues, job changes and a major move.  It was hard, rough and cold there in the biting weather of that long winter.  There are still challenges.  Life always has them.  However, though outside winter is approaching, I feel spring inside as my heart awaking like a sleepy daffodil to a new season.  

I have no idea what tomorrow will bring.  But today, I will stay near the window where the sun rays warm my heart, remembering that even in the winter, there is promise of resurrection.