I hate winter.

I say this every year.

Fortunately, we had a really "warm" December.

Unfortunately, it spoiled me.

Now the reality has hit.

Don't get me wrong:  it's pretty.  If I don't have to go out in it.

But on the days I do have to go out in it ...

in the bitter cold,
on narrow county roads,
full of icy intersections,
and sudden massive drifts of snow from countless open fields,
to, not only take my girl to preschool,
but also pick up her classmate from his babysitter's,
his Amish babysitter,
who I have no way of contacting,
and then when the car doesn't start...

Oh my, let's just say, there were tears.
Tears and prayers.

And frantic phone calls.

And my oh so helpful daughter was saying things like, "You have to make it start, mommy."

Thanks...

I got to the point where I had done everything I could think of, and I said to myself, "I'll just give it one more try."

And this time it sounded a bit different.

Like it was actually trying.

Like it could actually work.

I gave it some gas, and it revved up.

I heard the Hallelujah Chorus, and off we were on our way.

Oh, sweet hearts, do you feel like me and my van?

Thinking you just can't do another day.

Just can't keep fighting another battle with what you are facing in life.
Just can't keep trying in a broken, loveless marriage.
Just can't keep giving of your sleep, your strength, your entire self for your needy children.
Just can't keep putting in all the efforts into another area that goes unappreciated and unrecognized.

Whatever you have to do, whisper, declare, speak, yell, or proclaim to yourself, "I'll just give it one more try."

 
And don't allow yourself to carry the burden on your own.  Get help.
Open up.  Be vulnerable.  Share with someone who can help.

Maybe it means seeking counseling from a pastor or a mentor couple in order to hit the refresh button on your marriage.
Maybe it means a friend watching your kids while you go treat yourself to a cup of coffee, a matinee, or a nap.
Maybe it means better self care and giving yourself permission to take care of you.
Maybe it means removing extraneous obligations and activities from your schedule so you can focus on the passions that really motivate you.

Reflect on what God is placing on your heart right now, and see what you can do to give it one more try.