Today is supposed to be in the ’70s! Woohoo! I love springtime in Michigan, or at least our first days in these warmer temperatures. We start creeping away from snow and cold and can start imagining summer days at the beach or being outside. It’s truly a wonderful time of year!

Although I like winter, for the most part, I’m going to use it as an analogy for hard times. When we enter winter, we know on the other end is spring and summer. We enter this time of shorter days and colder temperatures knowing we’re going to feel the warm sun in a few months, but we have to endure the hardship of winter first.

We should enter real-life problems and challenges with the same thought in mind. That we are going to get through it. On the other side of this problem is peace and joy, yet we let ourselves feel so frustrated and anxious that the problem seems like it will never end. We forget about what’s on the other side.

I wonder if we face our challenges knowing God is with us and knowing he has good things in store for us, how much faster a problem will go away? Jesus tells us to come to him, and he will give us rest. So, when the going gets tough, remember, Jesus is with you, and the light of peace and joy is not too far off. 

I hope you are all doing well today. Make sure to get outside and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. Have a great week!

—John Barkel