Ice coated the world. The temps were supposed to rise, and I wasn’t planning to go anywhere, but someone might need to walk on the sidewalk, so I slipped on shoes and tossed some salt along the pathway. Almost immediately, I heard a popping sound similar to the retro candy Pop Rocks. It was a quick and effective noise. Little divots peppered the ice. It didn’t take long before only a few patches of ice remained

Sometimes it’s the simple things. So much of what happens on a regular basis begins to go unnoticed. We might even find it annoying instead of appreciating it for what it is. Instead of rain nourishing and refreshing the world around us, it keeps us from being outside. Instead of chronic cold killing some germs and insects that affect the crop fields and our health, we complain about every inconvenience and hardship we encounter. When we find something to complain about in every season, we set ourselves up for discontentedness. Nothing is enough. Or everything is a bit much.

Every change invites us into something—encouragement, silliness, engagement, challenges, opportunities, glimpses, and so much more. It’s not all positive, but it can be purposeful. Whatever is changing around you today, or even within you, be honest about it. Face the reality, and keep it in the context of purpose, because that’s the way both highs and lows comingle for a path that navigates a beautiful journey.