Post-Hibernation

I am coming to you this morning in a post-hibernation state of anticipation.

Nothing gives us Midwesterners a jolt of energy like a week's forecast of temperatures in the 40s. This whole week is supposed to be warm (40s is warm on this side of Winter) and sunny.

Praise the Lord.

Clearly, my social media algorithms are feeling excited as well - I keep seeing ads for Spring decor ideas and gardening.

Slow down, guys; we still have about 3 weeks to go until the official start of Spring.

In the last few weeks of Winter, it often feels like the batteries in our internal clocks need to be changed, and everything around us is gray and dingy as we sludge through long and dreary days.

Maybe it's just me, but I haven't had the usual spring (ha ha) in my step these last few weeks.

It could be the weather, the heaviness of all the issues happening in the world, or the realities of the sufferings and pain that many I love are experiencing.

It sometimes feels like the whole world around me is in the longest Winter ever.

But, despite fearful worries, Winter cannot last forever.

In time, the warmth returns and we emerge from our hibernation as the sun shines through, and new life springs (oops, I did it again) forth.

Hope returns.

Ease returns.

Light returns.

Joy returns.

According to the all-knowing internet, the initial stage after hibernation is called arousal. I think I'll use a different word for fear of losing focus and preventing any sassy "that's what she said" thoughts from popping into my head.

Another term for what happens after hibernation is emergence.

I like that better.

Post-hibernation emergence isn't a sudden burst of energy; it's a gradual process.

That makes sense to me.

When emerging from what feels like a post-apocalyptic hibernation, we move slowly and must be very mindful of how, when, and where we use our energy. We are still pretty sleepy and don't like to roam too far from our homes as we may require snacks and naps.

Bears call this stage walking hibernation. The bears don't literally call it that. You know what I mean.

Give me a break; I'm still emerging.

Walking hibernation - that tracks for me.

A thought occurred to me today as I contemplated this (along with brainstorming ideas for emerging-fitting snacks).

I'm all about God when I'm in fight or flight. When faced with times of trouble, I'm a praying maniac and am tuned in to scriptures, music, nature, and whatever else I can access to stay as close to Jesus as possible.

In my post-apocalyptic hibernation and emergence stage though, when it gets calm and quiet, I forget about my ongoing and desperate need for God.

I put my Bible back on the table, change the radio station back to Yacht Rock or Hair Band music (don't come at me), and return to my normal cycles of self-reliance and world-focus.

Hmmm, this may have something to do with my sluggish emergence.

I'm reminded this morning that I need God in every season of my life.

God's love gives us life and energy in the summery joy, the autumnal beauty, the wintery storms, and the Spring rebirth.

There is never a season when we need not cling to God.

Forgive me, God, for trying to emerge without you by my side.

I don't want to leave you behind and only reach for you when I need something.

Thank you for reminding me that you are my constant companion on this journey through the seasons of life.

I cling to you in the storm, in the healing, in the rest, and in the return to joy.

So, as I enjoy the sun warming my face as I write this morning, I'm feeling ready to emerge, clinging closely to God as I step forth.

Maybe I'll see you out there, my fellow emerger.

If you see me dancing in the warm sun to some Christian, yacht rock, or hair band music, feel free to join me.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 41:13

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

1 Chronicles 16: 9-12

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence]. Remember [with gratitude] His marvelous deeds which He has done,