Those Wintertime Blues

Much of the Midwest-to-Eastern sections of the United States have experienced some very bad weather during this winter. It seems that certain areas of the country just can’t catch a break! For example, I came across this bit of information while researching for this article:

“While cold weather is of course a part of winter, the persistent nature of colder-than-normal conditions and a lack of brief warm spells people can typically look forward to during midwinter have been unusual this season. Temperatures since Dec. 1, 2010 have averaged below normal from Boston and New York City to Chicago, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Atlanta and even Miami. Temperatures are expected to continue averaging below normal in many of these places, from the northern and central Plains into the East, through at least the middle of February.” –from Accuweather.com

As you can see, it doesn’t seem like the weather will be improving any time soon. It’s enough to make some people act abnormally. Mayo Clinic.com defines something called “seasonal affective disorder,” or SAD, as: “a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.” That being said, it’s no surprise that being cooped up indoors for extended periods during the winter is not good for anyone!

Seasonal weather can certainly play havoc not only with our emotional and physical health, but with our spiritual health as well. One suggestion to help fight against the winter blues is to attend, or continue attending Church if the weather allows, of course. It’s something that’s free, easy to do, and widely available. What could you possibly get out of it? Robert Benjamin tells us just a few of the rewards we can get from attending Church services:

1. It's great for social skills, as folks often greet each other, and like to chat
2. It's good for the voice as folks love to sings hymns of praise and worship
3. It's always great to hear the word of God, in a Bible believing Church
(like food for the mind and soul)
4. The Lord Jesus tells us to attend Church services (Hebrews 10:25)

So there you have it. Even if you are not a regular church go-er, or have been sitting on the fence debating whether to take the plunge or not, go ahead. Try it! And if you are a devoted believer, maybe you could convince someone who isn’t to go with you. The cold, dreary winter months may be a perfect time to experience something new. And who knows, you might find yourself going back for more! "The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isa.11:9. (NIV)

~Eve