June 21: The Winter Is Past

The days are long now. Things are green. And it might be the first summer in years that you’re actually present for.

The Song of Solomon is a love poem. In this passage, the beloved calls out: for behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come.

It’s a picture of a new season arriving. Cold days giving way to warm ones. Silence giving way to song.

For many people in recovery, the drinking years felt like a long winter. Cold. Gray. Things dying. Even summer days were spent hungover, or planning the next drink, or trying to hide.

Now something is changing. Maybe slowly. Maybe you can’t see all of it yet. But the winter is passing. Things are starting to grow.

Step Six is part of that new season. You’re becoming ready for God to clear away the dead wood of old defects so new life can grow. That’s spring work, really. Clearing, planting, waiting for growth.

Summer can bring its own challenges, of course. Cookouts with coolers full of beer. Long evenings that used to mean drinking on the porch. Vacations where drinking is everywhere. Have a plan for those. Bring your own drinks. Know when you’ll leave. Call someone before and after.

But don’t let the challenges hide the gift. You’re here. You’re sober. You can notice the flowers and hear the birds. You can remember what happened yesterday. You can be present for the people you love.

That’s the singing season. It’s here, even if winter’s memory is still fresh.

If this is a summer weekend, consider spending part of it doing something you couldn’t do while drinking. An early morning walk. A clear-headed afternoon with family. A church picnic. Small things, but they’re signs of a new season.

One thing today

Spend time outside today and notice three things that are alive and growing. Then thank God for one thing in your life that’s growing too.

A prayer

Lord, the winter was long. Thank You that it’s passing. Help me notice the new life You’re growing in me. Keep me safe through this summer, and let me enjoy it with You. Amen.

On new growth: Step Six.

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