Warmth

The word “warmth” takes me back to my childhood.  With colder weather approaching (yes, even here in Florida), I am reminded of the warmth I experienced, living in our family’s two-story row home during the winter months.   Growing up, I would very often squeeze behind our living room couch and put my, then petite, frame smack up against the heating register.  I enjoyed snuggling against the warmth between me and the wall, in my own little space.  Even back then, I guess my body craved warmth.  And today, I still love the warmth of the summer sun, heating pads and cozy, soft blankets during the colder days while watching tv.  I’ve been known, while riding in the car, to frequently engage my heated seat  (yes, even in the summer).  Then there’s that good cup of hot tea in the early morning that always warms me up!  However, although all these things provide physical warmth, they also can provide a healing warmth, which can calm us during anxious times, ease some pain, and even put us to sleep.  Can you visualize yourself relaxing on a sandy beach and feeling the warmth of the sun shining on your face?  Or maybe you have another visualization that creates warmth and healing for you.  If you are a person that prefers the cold weather, (God bless you) maybe gazing out at a winter snowstorm, in the comfort of your home, creates that feeling of peace.  We all crave and need warmth in ways that calm us and provide our bodies with necessary re-energizing tools.  But what is the best way to feel re-energized and calm?  First and foremost, our warmth should start with the “Son”.  Jesus exuded warmth wherever He went, through his words, his actions, his healings and, most of all, just by his presence.  Today, every time we experience time in prayer and communion with Jesus, His warmth should fill us, then be able to use that all during our week to re-energize us.  We can then pass on His warmth to someone else in need.  As you proceed through this week of being thankful for our abundance, be aware of the warmth within you and the many ways each of us can pass that onto someone else.  A kind word spoken around our family and friends, a loving embrace, or taking 5 minutes (or more) in your day to pray for someone else can do more to keep the warmth of the Holy Spirit burning inside, which is much more comforting than physical warmth.  Can you feel the “Son” warming your face now?  Keep it going.  I wish you blessed Thanksgiving filled with a true feeling of warmth and thankfulness.

“And most of all be warm in your love for one another; because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number.”   1 Peter 4:8