DISCOVER
What Nurtures My Down-in-the-Dumps Soul?
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He’s my God. Psalm 42:5 MSG)
January was a down-in-the-dumps sort of month. I don’t care at all for the cold, short, dark days of winter. I love Christmas, but after Epiphany on January 6th my right-brain thoughts fast forward to springtime, even though my logical left brain reminds me winter has only just begun.
One of the questions I have been asking people for a few years is: “What nurtures your soul?” During the past couple of months, as I have tried to prayerfully unpack my theme word for 2024—DISCOVER—this is a question I have also been asking myself.
Early in February, we enjoyed a balmy winter respite. So, on a beautiful Friday evening, Ron and I headed to downtown Coeur d’Alene, the beautiful little North Idaho hamlet we have called home for over 30 years, to enjoy Winter Lights, a new post-Christmas community event.
The evening nurtured my soul!
We leisurely walked over two miles in crisp winter stillness enjoying neighborly camaraderie while viewing a variety of creative light displays. Ron took great photos, and I hope you will enjoy these few—especially if your “dear soul” is feeling down-in-the-dumps.
Always beautiful, the memorial waterfalls at McEuen Park were especially stunning.
I loved the whimsical bubbles in this downtown shop.
All dressed up in lights, the iconic Mudgy the Moose with Millie the Mouse nestled in his enormous antlers, reminds visitors Coeur d’Alene is a great place to live or visit.
A tunnel of lights outside the Cd’A Resort.
A crackling wood fire was the perfect place to warm my chilly fingers.
Hometown Reflection!
A lone cruise boat glistened on the inky black lake water.
The Marina, filled with boats during the summertime, seemed beautifully desolate on this winter’s eve.
I have been privileged to walk paths in many different locales, but I think the Cd’A Floating Boardwalk may be my favorite. Bustling with visitors from not only nearby but all over the world during the summertime, it was nearly deserted during Ron’s and my winter-evening walk.
Oh, how grateful I am for the privilege of living in our beautiful hometown! I thank God, my God, who so often puts a smile on my face!
Blessings on your journey through the remainder of winter!
