Beauty in Winter

Raspberry plant leaves, December 2012

He makes all things new. It's true, you know. He is the God who even gives us beauty in the winter, when all is stripped and barren and cold - a lingering promise. And Lord knows my heart needs this.


From Ann Voskamp's blog today:

"Your heart can’t forgive. That’s why He gave you His. When you don’t think you can forgive what she’s said about you — When you don’t think you can forget what he’s done to you – When it’s His heart beating in you — you can forgive in a heart beat. I look up from the sink. The Christmas tree is there by the fireplace — and it’s right there, what all the hard relationships, gatherings, families needs at Christmas: The Tree is where God’s grace does heart transplants: God taking broken hearts - and giving you His."

Beauty in the barrenness of winter is so much more striking. And I need His beauty, His life, His love, in my bleak brokenness.

He makes all things new.