Some of my friends find winter quite a depressing time, especially on dull, rainy days. I grew up in Queensland, so maybe my affinity for winter stems from that. After all, it was much more bearable in winter to handle wearing those obligatory gloves and black stockings as well as a hat and a tie to high school each day!
Or perhaps this affinity for winter rests on the fact that I can curl up in my warm study, with the sun coming through a nearby window, and enjoy writing those things that are on my heart to write. Even if the weather is dull, the sound of rain on the iron roof next door merely adds to the ambience. And even when my writing is proving difficult, I still find myself blessed to be where I am.
Right now, my husband is in New Zealand. I could have been there with him, but I turned it down. Granted, there were a few things I would have had to reorganise to do that. But, in my heart of hearts, I did not want to go anyway. Now I love my husband. And I love New Zealand. What’s more, I have never seen the northern part of the South Island, where he began his trip. But I am in the throes of editing my eighth book—and I knew if I allowed my mind to be diverted elsewhere, however beautiful that place might be, it would be difficult to regain that momentum.
Right now too, one of our daughters is in Hawaii for a cousin’s wedding. I could have gone there too, but I turned it down. ‘Hawaii? You turned down a visit to Hawaii? In the middle of winter?’ some have asked incredulously. Yep—that’s me! Admittedly, I felt a twinge of jealousy when I saw those photos of that beautiful wedding right beside a beach and read about the other interesting places our daughter has visited. But no, I’m happy to be home, curled up here in my study, pressing on with my editing.
Yes, I can see many things around me that need my attention. At the moment, I can write my name in the dust on my desk or on the piano in our lounge, courtesy not only of my neglect but also of the dusty building site opposite. I daren’t venture too far down our backyard in case I see all those weeds. I need to cook something so there is food to eat tomorrow when our daughter arrives to pick up her two cats I have been minding. I need to attend to those two said cats. But I am here at my desk right now. I am happy to be here. I have a meaningful editing job ahead. And God is with me—so very much with me.
Yesterday, despite its not being Christmas, I read about the birth of Jesus.
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” Matt 1:23
Immanuel. God with us. God … with … us. Right now, whatever we are doing. Right here, wherever we are. So very present, in the midst of the ordinary.
May you find that as overwhelming and as comforting as I do.
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
Thank you for your post. I don’t mind winter either, even in brisk Sydney.
You describe such contentment here. You’ve resisted pressure to be anywhere but where you are, doing what needs to be done. All the best with the editing of your book.
And thank you for reminding us of ‘God with us’. May we know the presence of Jesus, wherever we are…
Thanks so much for your encouraging comments. I feel very blessed to know that Jesus is right with me here at my desk as I write, cheering me on, knowing every word before I write it, strengthening me to keep going. And I know he’s doing the same for you too. God bless!
Yes I know what you mean Jo-Anne, I was wondering if dust can be used for something good besides leaving our signature, I live close to a sawmill and everyday I need to dust but you can be sure I don’t!
I was thinking as I read your message of the time I waste not doing the important things, it reminded me of one of my Posts, I will leave the link for you, No I did not say dusting was important, after all it’s God’s provision if we run out of paper.
But yes regardless of dust, God is always with us, that’s a promise.
Isaiah 43:1-3 – Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.”
God’s Family – http://alifeofhopeandjoy.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/families/
Christian Love – Anne
Oh dear, that would make it hard keeping dust out of your home if you live next to a sawmill. But I’m sure you have much more important things to do than dust each day, for sure. Thanks for the reminder of Isaiah 43:1-3–they are among my favourite verses too. God bless!