Sunshine in Winter Potpourri: A Quick Pick-Me-Up
Sunshine Between the Trees
I’ve been hearing birds chirp again. We’ve had days between the snow dumps where we can get outside and swing in the hammock between the trees. We have the gift of sunshine no matter the storm in Colorado.
But in the trees, I’m learning I have to squat kind of funny in my kitchen and bedroom and living room. I squat kind of funny in weird positions to capture the sunlight between the trees. I love the warmth of the sun.
We appreciate things like water and sunshine more when they aren’t our everyday.
I think our seasons of sorrow teach us to relish in the laughter more too.
Sunshine On The Page
Lately, besides awkwardly finding ways to have the sunshine warm my face, I’ve been enjoying the sunshine within Psalm 126:
Psalm 126
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Songs of joy! Dreams! Restoration! These things are coming! To you and me both. Stand firm and keep waiting on the promises of God. He always keeps His word!
The promises of God are like the sun that elbows its way through the shadows and chill of winter. His promises fight their way to us and cause a grin to appear on even the most battle weary of faces.
Sunshine in the Air
I’ve recently found a fragrance that feels like the streams of sunshine that fight their way through the winter drafts, turning up the edges of my smile.
I came upon it by a happy accident too. I had sliced up a crisp orange and hated to throw the peels away because they were so heavenly and sweet. I remembered when my mom would throw them in a pot with cinnamon sticks and clove. So I did just that. This combination happens to be antiviral too, so it’s perfect to dance through the stuffy winter air, brightening spirits and strengthening our immune systems.
My daughter came into the kitchen and added a beautiful star of anise and it transformed the entire home into an oasis of sunbeams.
Try it. You’ll be grinning too.
Sunshine in Winter Potpourri
This heavenly combination of citrus, anise and cinnamon are sure to make you close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and grin.
- Rinds of an orange or two
- Cloves, whole or sprinkle in some powdered
- Star of anise, one or two
- Water, enough to fill your pot half full
- Cinnamon stick
Fill a pot half full with water and drop in all the goodies.
Bring to a boil and then a slow simmer.
Refill with water as needed so you don't end up with burnt rinds. 🙂 Speaking from experience. But even those smelled lovely and I added more water and kept it simmering.
Walk outside and take a deep breath of cold winter air. And when you return, the fragrance will be even warmer and lovelier than you remembered.
Close your eyes. Breathe in. And grin.
YOUR TURN
Tell me. Where are you finding sunshine this winter?