In my search to find another word for cold, I came across the beautiful word brisk. I looked it up, so as to be sure the word meant what I was sure it meant (and didn’t mean something I would have unintentionally proclaimed). My favorite definition listed said “(of the weather or wind) cold but fresh and enlivening”. This beautifully sums up the feeling I had this morning on a walk with my dear friend much better than the word cold.
It was still dark when we set off and mostly still dark when we returned forty-five minutes later. The air was brisk and and our brisk (this time meaning the definition “active, fast, and energetic”) walk was just what my soul needed today. After a break from walking and my usual responsibilities, my sleep schedule had been off and sleeping in was getting to be the norm to make up for the sleepless nights the previous week. Time and conversation with my dear friend, in all our sweat, and just woken-up glory has been such a gift in this season of walking together.
There’s also something about being outside in the crisp morning air, just as the sun is coming up that fills my heart with wonder and gratitude for life. There’s something sacred about witnessing a new day beginning. What a gift each new day is, fresh with potential and opportunity and blessing to settle into whatever gifts the Lord has for us that day. Whether we think the result of that day “good” or “bad”, it is filled with the sum of moments, of choices, and hopefully relationships with those we love.
If nothing else, and yet most importantly, relationship with the Heavenly father, creator of each new day, and moment, and light, and life. Even if we feel alone, He is always with us, regardless if we acknowledge His presence or not. What a gift to experience the steadfast love of Jesus, while breathing deeply the crisp morning air, as the sun rises with sweet friends.