December in the countryside
We've made it!
It's December at last...
Christmas is fast approaching.
December in the town vs the countryside
The town is busy with Christmas shoppers on a mission. Decorations and twinkly lights are going up all around people's houses.
The weather has changed and there is a definite chill in the air. The end of the year is here and all we see is Christmas everywhere. Shops jam-packed with enticing gifts. Restaurant menus covered in mouth-watering dishes. The demand to enjoy a bit of luxury and indulgence is everywhere and we can't seem to escape the busyness of Christmas in the town.
But what's December like in the countryside?
It's slow.
It's quiet.
It's peaceful.
It's how it normally is, just much colder!
The beauty of a still December morning
On a still, sunny day, you seem to notice a lot more.
You pick your head up and gaze at the view.
When it’s not blowing a hooley and raining cats and dogs, the tranquillity of the countryside has an uplifting power you can’t quite find anywhere else – in my opinion.
I think it’s at its best early on a still, cold morning – before the world has woken...
Bare trees like statues with spent leaves underfoot. Dark, glossy evergreens glistening in the sun, adorned with shiny red berries. Mr Robin serenading you as you stroll by in silence.
Your cheeks blushed from the cold air. Still a bit of frost twinkling in the sunlight, slowly melting as the day starts to warm.
Crunchy leaves frozen on the edges of the quiet country lane. Rose hips and hawthorn berries bejewelling the hedgerows and songbirds feasting on nature’s offerings.
Winter rhythms of rural life
Frosty green fields left to rest while the cattle are in for winter, back at the farm. The distant sound of a chainsaw being used to tidy up and gather firewood after a recent storm – nothing is wasted in the countryside.
Coming home to stillness
As you near the end of your walk, you're greeted by the smell of woodsmoke as you approach home.
You kick off your wellies, hang up your coat and get straight into your slippers.
The fire still glowing from the night before, the house is warm and cosy. As you sit down with a fresh cup of tea, you reflect on the peace found only in the countryside. A stillness like none other than experienced in the English countryside at wintertime.
Then all of a sudden, you’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the rural place you dwell in and for the warmth and safety of your home.
As your beloved pet curls up at your feet, you rest for a moment in complete silence, counting your blessings.
A season for reflection
A time to reflect on the past year, the challenges, the struggles. The milestones and celebrations.
A lot happens within a year.
Christmas is just a few weeks away and before you know it, it’ll be the new year.
‘Are we too quick to usher in the new year?’ You wonder...
Are we too distracted by Christmas and all it brings?
Do we give enough time to be still? To contemplate what has been.
Finding God in creation
For me, when I'm out in nature I feel closer to the Lord.
When I’m close to His creation, I feel close to Him.
I feel like I can breathe.
My head clears and my shoulders start to drop.
When everything gets too much, I know a walk in the fresh air will do me good.
A walk with God, with no distractions, no noise, just peace, just creation.
I start to reason things out in my head, things become clearer.
And even if I can’t fathom it out, I know God can.
God’s got it and He’s got my back too.
Psalm 55:22 – Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Psalm 100:5 – For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
An invitation
I invite you to go out into creation and be still...
With love,
Megan x