Weekly Words

When It’s Cold Outside

The other day, I overheard someone on their cell phone explaining to the person on the other end of the line how beautiful a day it was and how the temperature was going to be in the fifties. This person was right and wrong. On one hand, the day was absolutely stunning. The sun was blazing and beaming its illustrious light across the landscape of the earth, and the sky was a breathtaking blue only interrupted by the occasional plush, puffy, and pure white cloud. On the other hand, the temperature never rose above 33 degrees. It took me back to my childhood when I would look outside on a bright, winter day and see nothing but sunshine, blue skies, and white clouds. Inevitably, I would get excited and anticipate a warm day. However, I would always be surprised when I went outside and experienced chilling temperatures and frigid winds. I was consumed and confused by the paradox of an outside that looked bright, warm, and sunny, but felt cold, chilling, and frigid. Eventually, nature taught me the eternal truth—how things look don’t always line up with how they feel.

Isn’t it amazing that some of us are still learning this truth in other areas of our lives? Many of us chose a path, a partner, or a profession because they looked profitable, rewarding, upwardly mobile, and impressive. We chose a career path because we knew the house we wanted to live in, the car we wanted to drive, and the figures we wanted to see on our check. But, after working for years, attaining numerous degrees, or politicking our way through promotion after promotion, we find ourselves struggling to be happy about going to work. Moreover, we find ourselves asking, “What’s the point?” Our resume still looks bright and sunny, but our spirit is cold. Maybe we chose a partner because on paper this person could not have been a better fit. They have Hollywood looks or they are video fine, they come from the right pedigree, they are ambitious and successful, and our family and friends adore them. The only problem is despite all of those admirable attributes, they don’t make us happy. Whether there is simply no chemistry, a spiritual disconnect, or our beloved is good at everything else EXCEPT, being a good, attentive, and Loving partner, our relationship leaves us feeling alone and uncared for. Our relationship appears warm and cozy; it is the object of the outside world’s desire, but our heart is freezing.

When it’s cold outside, we usually don’t allow the deceptive appearance of the sun keep us from putting a coat on, turning our heat up in the house, or staying in all together. No matter how warm it looks, we respond to how it feels. Unfortunately this simple principle does not often translate in life. Many of us are in situations right now that look good to everyone else, but they have our spirits shivering, our heart shaking, and our life freezing. Though we let “feel” determine how we dress, we let “looks” determine how we live. When the outside temperature looks warm but feels cold, we cover up. When the outside of our lives look warm but feels cold we cover it up. Yet, hiding behind bright and sunny looks does not warm up our spirit. So I want to encourage you on this day to commit to making a move, living a life, or choosing a path that keeps your spirit warm.

Humbly in Christ’s Love,
Pastor B.A. Jackson