This morning, as I drove my son to school, he and I were laughing as we observed how quickly the trees have donned their leafy coverings. Only one week ago they stood naked and exposed and now most are almost fully dressed in green. To those who may not keep up with weather news, 
ore. In fact, Springfield Illinois, which is the setting for the story in “Plenty Good Room”, has already been hit twice by tornados. About a week ago, my son, my doggie and myself were huddled in our center area closet with no power, praying that we would be spared from the driving winds and rain we could hear thundering past outside. Thankfully, human casualties have been few, but structural damage is severe.
But today, all the stormy drama is forgotten on this bright sunny day. This is what I love most about the changing seasons that we experience in this area. Each time nature responds to God’s call to change, I’m reminded of His power and of the consistency of His presence. I’ve found since I’ve gotten older, that though thankfully fewer in number, my Winter seasons bring more intensity, when they arrive. Unexpected storms are the issues that pile up silently like heavy snow falling on a winter day. No quick answers ‘spring’ forth like in the past. Instead, these are the times when life seems to shape-shift from one problem to the next, and answers to these pressing issues are not forthcoming. These are times I talk to God and get no reply. But, I’ve learned I must maintain focus, and press on despite my uncertainties. In fact, it is during these times, when doubt looms and like the gray days of Winter that cause melancholy, life’s issues seems most heavy, that prayer must remain consistent.
In ways I don
’t fully understand, God is working on nature during their ‘down’ Winter months. And, while the terrain may look barren outwardly, inwardly He’s working something that cannot be seen. Certainly, I find, if we let God work with us, it is during these Winter times in our lives that Faith truly becomes our stronghold and grows stronger if we let it. For if we believe, we know that even when times are bleak, God is aware and present. He is with us, even when it seems He is not. The joy is that just like the promise of Spring fulfilled at the end of the coldest winter, our season will change too. And, so we must retain focus and like the trees be ready. Able to don our finest and proclaim His word, when He calls; to show the world the glory of His power.
Cheri Paris Edwards is the first-time author of “Plenty Good Room”, published in hardcover by Walk Worthy/Warner Books in Spring, 2005. She is 50-year old and the mother of two boys. She lives in East-Central Illinois. Her website is www.cheriparisedwards.com