17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3: 17, 18 (KJV)
The fold is an enclosure that keeps sheep and occasionally other domestic animals from getting out. When I think of the fold, I think of confinement, of being cooped up or locked in. Sort of reminds me of how many feel during this time of year – confined, cooped up, locked in – because the skies are grey, the temperature plummets and the days darken early. I leave and return home under the cover of darkness. The festive holidays are in our past and the promise of spring eludes us. Ever since I was in elementary school, I’ve referred to this time of year as “The Grind.”
For those of you who love to bask in the sunshine and appreciate warmer climates, these days feel like they will never end. Today I encourage you to change your point of view. Instead of feeling restricted and limited, open your mind to the things you CAN do. Catch up on some reading or complete a project. Play board games or visit a friend. Check out the local museum or go to the library. Wrap up in a blanket and sip from a cup of your favorite hot beverage. Get in bed early and get some much-needed rest. Use the time in the fold to rejuvenate and renew.