The winds were picking up their pace screeching in panicked outbursts. I could hear the howling as it faded in and out over the rooftop and the room felt slightly colder than normal. As I turned my body over to pull the covers up a few inches higher, my toes graced a cold pocket of the bed and my foot recoiled as if offended by the sharp sting. The wind kept on in fury rattling the window panes, and I kept on willing my body to rest so the dreaming could begin.

The long winter slumber. So often the grey-streaked skies mimic the state of our spirits. Like the seasons that God has created to turn over the earth, it seems there are seasons in our spirits so God may turn over our souls. We would never appreciate the newness of spring if not for winters death. Death must happen for life to begin.

We cry out to the earth, “Stop! Enough of the snow, cold, and it’s bitter sting! Enough!” But would you recognize your spirit crying out to the heavens, “Stop! Enough of this death, emptiness, and its bitter sting! Enough!”

Because your soul is doing it whether or not you recognize the sound of its voice. Your soul is forever speaking and the God of Heaven is listening.

I feel as though I have been wandering in a snowstorm. Not aimlessly mind you, but wandering none-the-less. I am a wanderer. I am a dreamer. And I am a wayward child so desperately in need of direction. I can feel the gentle yet firm hand of my husband holding on to me, his spirit wandering alongside mine.

Are you a dreamer so afraid to voice your dream? Perhaps you are feeling a little hopeless by the grey skies and howling winds. But let us be reminded that we have tasted the sweetness of spring. We have witnesses that this too shall pass. May we never forget the harshness of winters slumber so that we may relish in the washing of springs fresh rain. May His voice remind our souls to keep our eyes roaming forward, yet our feet firmly planted in today. Let us have our eyes forward seeking God’s face and our ears tuned to the Holy Spirit knowing Jesus has our backs.

Yes, sometimes we are blinded by the snow. But look a little more closely at those snowflakes and you will see beauty in their individuality. Their dance seems chaotic on the outside, but know they are in perfect harmony with each other, dancing for their Creator. He moves them around with the precision of a skilled orchestra conductor, weaving them in and around the winds until they land softly in their resting place.

So let us rest knowing that the voice of God is calling us – guiding us – through the storm. If you still your spirit in the gentleness of His presence, you will hear His voice offering up words of comfort to the child that exists within you. You will dance the dance of chaos, sometimes your feet tripping over one another, but you will never miss an important step.

Never stop dancing. And never never stop dreaming.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy;
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13