{Personal Post | The February Funk + Living Freely}

Does this time of year get your spirits down? If your answer is no, I am not sure I can believe you! ;)

This morning when I got up at the usual early time to feed the calves it was another monotonously frigid day, a whopping -1 degree...and yup, after avoiding being sick all winter long I woke up with a wicked head cold too.

I'd like to dub it the "February Funk"....that time of year when the days take on a ho-hum cast and all a person can see to do is plow through the routine and dream of summer. It's the time of year that makes me yearn for temperatures warm enough to wash cows, have long outdoor photo sessions, and walk outside without seven layers on, and even, gasp...pick rocks?!? The "FUNK" makes us turn up our noses at the monotony of cold toes, iced over buckets, and below zero wind chills. It's That time of year when griping seems to roll off the tongue more swiftly and our hearts are all to eager to latch on to ungracious attitudes and thoughts. It's all to easy to tire of faithfulness in the "little things" and day to day routines.

So now that we've established the condition....what is the cure for the February funk?

Gratitude! Living in Christ- in the Spirit.

This advice comes directly from Galatians: Live FREELY, ANIMATEDLY, MOTIVATED by God's Spirit...

What happens when we live life God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that corn grows in a field, shooting beautiful green stems up towards the sun from the soft warm earth- things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity...we develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, not needing to force our way in life, able to direct our energies wisely...an overflowing passion for living every day to its fullest potential.

So today in effort to live freely in the Spirit I am grateful:

...for happy and healthy Holstein babies

...(lots of) HOT tea and coffee

...family camaraderie in farm chores

...sunshine, sunshine, sunshine,

...a warm kitty that likes to sit on my lap

...sweatpants, Carhartts, wool socks and blankets

...grace, mercy, forgiveness and love

Have a great LAST WEEK OF FEBRUARY friends!

 ....and if you don't know what "picking rocks" is about stop out on a Saturday morning in May and we'll be happy to educate you! ;)

Feel free to share some thoughts in the "comments"

All the best,

-Danae