The darkness of the days gets longer as winter draws near and when she wakes early there is no sign of dawn yet. Opening the the soft, well-worn leather book she reads, "Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it" (1Peter 3:11). She wonders how she will find peace when so many worries are approaching with the dawning day.
Outside her window she begins to hear birds. Not the cheerful sound of the early birds of spring that begin to stir while it's still dark, but instead the sound of those making their way to a warmer place. She, too, wants to flee as her worries seems overwhelming. But then she asks God to quiet her thoughts and she remembers a promise:
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! (Ps. 46:10)
Light begins to dawn and though the season’s first signs of frost appear on the nearby window, she is warmed knowing no matter what the day brings she will pursue peace because her Lord has overcome the world and its tribulations.
Lord, quiet my thoughts and calm my heart so I can focus on You today. Help me to cast my worries aside so I can pursue Your perfect peace. Amen.