John may have written this statement..."and it was winter," simply to remind us of the timing of this event.  However, author A.W. Pink suggests that John was using this word as a literary tool stating that the word had symbolic meaning.  Winter is more than a season, it is a metaphor for cold, dormant and dark.  It reminds me of when Mr. Tumnus said to Lucy, "In Narnia it is always winter, never Christmas."  The hearts of the people of Jerusalem were certainly in a state of "winter."  They were cold, dark & dormant.  Have you ever been in a winter?  What brought you into the Spring?  What brought new life, vibrancy and growth from darkness and "winter"? 

My oldest son called a few days ago and said, "Dad, the water won't go out of the washing machine, what should I do?"  I told him of a number of potential problems including the possibility that a "baby sock" could have been sucked into the pump.  I suggested a few things to try and he went to work to find solutions.  I think he wondered if what I suggested was actually possible given the modern technology that he has over what Diane and I had years ago.  He called back about 30 minutes later and I said, "Well?"  He said two words..."baby sock."  I remember a number of conversations with my father in law about washing machines over the years including discussions about pumps, belts, wig-wags and of course "baby socks."  I have learned a few things doing battle with our last three washing machines and was glad to be able to pass along a little wisdom.  In between the phone calls I was reading a biography about Jonathan Edwards.  He was a theologian and pastor in the early 1700's and was embroiled in a fair amount of theological and church controversy.  It struck me as all these things were going on that we learn lessons about washing machines that are passed along relatively easily to the next generation, but, are we passing along the more important things?  As I read about Puritan church life of almost 300 years ago the problems didn't seem too much different from the things we face today!  What are we learning in our walk with God?  Are we passing along what we learn?  What struggles have helped us?  What can we celebrate?  Do you have any lessons you could pass along to the rest of the "reading family" on this blog?  Green Pastures and Still Waters is a place to share our celebrations and struggles in our life with God.   Welcome to the conversation!