Under the weather

We have had quite the winter here in Iowa.  I read somewhere that this is the coldest winter in 100 years.  It's been snowy, icy and freezing cold.  The kids have been out of school more than ever.

This morning, I woke up feeling "under the weather" and soon my daughter arrived in my bathroom, also under the weather.  As I prayed on the bathroom floor for God to come and help, I felt this sweet surrender.

Whenever I am sick, I feel like I have much greater opportunities to pray and seek God.  In the silence of my room, I am totally vulnerable. I thank Him for health, for family, for energy, for food, for everything.   I beg for His help,

And I feel him pruning me.

He nudges me to stop trying so hard.
He brings to light things I need to give up and leave behind.
He shows me where I am wrong and need to apologize.
He gives me ideas of where He wants me next.

And He gently forgives as I ask.

The whole process is uncomfortable.  I usually come away with some open wounds.

But in time, He heals each one of them.

I am thankful for the winter seasons in life, when I feel vulnerable to His pruning.  And I am thankful He takes the time to sanctify me.