I will never forget the day I purchased flowers from a nursery. I asked the store clerk, “How well do the pansies live in the winter?” A big smile crossed her face and she said, “Oh, they laugh at winter!” What a great description of flowers that do seem to thrive in the coldest of temps. It’s remarkable.

How I want to laugh at winter, better yet, have true joy throughout this season.

But how do you walk through the dark, dreary, cold nights? The wind blasts across your face as you walk to your car. You’ve had a long hard day at work. You wonder what happened to the spring, the summer, and now the fall is gone?

The thought of laughing at winter seems just impossible, too challenging, too hard.

I want to encourage you to embrace this season with a grateful heart. If you have a warm home, food on the table, family and friends—there’s much to be thankful for. When feelings of loneliness happen, choose to encourage someone else. Write a letter, send an e-mail, or pick up the phone and make their day.

Practice having an attitude of gratitude. It says in His Word, In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (I Thessalonians 5:18). Millions are hurting today without jobs. If you have a job, you have much to be grateful for.

Another discipline that helps me move past times of depression is exercise. Be sure and get out of the house and get moving. If you’re not a member of a gym, go walk the mall. I always feel better if I’ve gotten some kind of exercise. Also watch what you’re eating. It’s easy to take in way too many calories during the cold winter months.

Learn to embrace the quiet winter months with time alone with the Lord. Enjoy your time with Him. Don’t look at quiet times with Him as a duty but a delight.

“I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:8-11)