As the earth hurtles through space during the month of January it slings around the sun to begin its journey towards warmer weather. But while the days may be slowly getting longer the temperatures still cling to the bottom of our thermometers. January is a month of colder days and darker weather. It can be a difficult time that stresses even the strongest optimist. But at this time of year there are still lessons to be learned. The snow that comes and goes reminds us of the grace that covers our brokenness. The darker days remind us to appreciate the light that we receive and the dreary weather reminds us that there is a brighter world to which we must aspire. In fact, January is really a microcosm of the conflict between good and evil. The Bible says: “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Romans 8:22 The winter months and the darker days remind us that the world isn’t the way that it is supposed to be. The bare trees and monotone co