Joy in Unlikely Places
January and February are two of my favorite months of the year. Deep winter brings a kind of peace, restoration, and quiet wonder that completely settles my soul. January arrives with its bone-deep cold and a snowfall that quiets the world outside, allowing us to slow down and get cozy inside.
There is so much to treasure about the simplicity of winter. Maybe it’s because I am an introvert by nature, but winter has always been my favorite season. Winter is a time to rest, welcome warmth, and slip into the softest fuzzy socks you can find.
The deepest part of winter creates space to notice the smallest gifts around us—I have found myself thanking God for the perfect cup of tea. No moment of gratitude is too big or too small.
When calendars are quiet and the cold keeps you indoors, consider this an invitation to fill that extra space with Jesus. Dive into a book of the Bible and study it thoroughly, write a poem, or discover a new worship song that brings you fresh faith. This season is rich with opportunities for creativity, dreaming, and closeness with God.
Doesn’t God’s abundance often seem to show up in the smaller moments of life?
Here are five winter joys I’m savoring right now:
Harney & Sons decaf hot cinnamon tea: My husband and I have been enjoying sipping warm mugs of this tea in the evenings as we wind down from the day.
Golden twinkly lights framing the kitchen window: Twinkly lights quietly extend the coziness of the holiday season and brighten the dark days of winter. Add three faux, tall candles in the window for an extra sense of calm as evening falls.
Snowfall that quiets the neighborhood: Snow absorbs the everyday sounds of the environment, creating a soft and peaceful haven outside. I love pulling up a chair and reading by the window during a snowfall when the responsibilities of life allow such a moment.
Warm bowls of tortellini soup: My mom is an excellent cook, and she will often lovingly whip up this soup when I am at her house just because she knows it is one of my favorites. Soup is a winter essential.
A pine and cedar winter candle: My husband gifted me a lovely winter candle for my birthday; he must know me well. The pine and cedar are grounding and comforting in the cold months of winter.
With this, I know winter is not for everyone. If you are a summer person and winter feels tough, I get it—I feel the same way about the hot and humid summer. A couple of years ago, I made a “summer cozy” list to help me through the season—think early mornings on the patio, creamy lemonade, and fresh tomatoes. If this is you, I hope you might borrow something from this winter list, or create your own, to discover all of the small joys waiting for you in this season, too.
Recently, I discovered a Facebook group that brings faith and coziness together. The Facebook page is linked here if you would like to explore what it has to offer. I love seeing what brings other people coziness and peace, especially when it comes from an element of their faith in Jesus. (Sacred Hygge–Cozy Christian Living)
Today, I am thanking God for all the good found in the quiet, small, and unhurried spaces. For that cup of tea or the white snow falling softly while reading His Word. For laughter shared with loved ones over a warm bowl of tortellini soup. The deepest part of winter is not a season to rush through, it’s a season to savor and embrace. This is your invitation to discover the joy of deep winter.
