Brain Freeze (12/14/2025)

It only took a few moments outside this morning in the subzero temperatures with wind from the north making it feel like minus 25° for me to mention the less than friendly ambiance of the prayer time outside to the LORD. I might have even mentioned that He may want to check the calendar because it isn’t officially winter yet. Shouldn’t He be saving mornings like this for January or February? Then I heard the great horned owl across the way hoot his “Who?” And I realized, in my brain freeze, that I was telling the LORD how things should be.

I immediately thanked the owl for the wake-up call. Who am I to tell the LORD how to run the world that He created from nothing. Yes, thank you, Mr. Owl, for the “Who?” Then I took about two minutes more to tell the LORD I was sorry for my arrogance. Finally, I admitted that I wasn’t able to stay my whole hour this morning; I know my limitation. I promised to break it up, return again in 20 minutes for a bit more prayer.

As I walked indoors, I had to admit that it wasn’t the first time in my life that I had questioned the LORD. I have been a repeat offender honestly. Then I thought about the season, about Advent, about the Almighty Father sending His only-begotten Son through the Spirit to serve as our brother, our teacher, our redeemer. I, in my limited vision, would have probably advised Him to think again, to come up with a better plan. And I admitted to Him right then and there that His plan is superior to mine.

As I sat down inside to warm up a bit before venturing out again, I realized how easy it is for us to argue with the LORD over our lives, over worldly conditions, over events. As my brain began to thaw a bit, I asked for wisdom to better judge which things in life are out of my control and which things I am called to address for love of Him and others.

Eventually, I went back out for another 20 minutes and the LORD and I had a better conversation. It was one full of gratitude for my life, for my home, for warmth and provisions. It was one asking the LORD for help in seeing those in need at this time of year. And I thanked the LORD for a short plunge into suffering to not only amplify my empathy for others but brush off my humility.

As we journey through life, there will be days when things don’t go well, when they don’t make sense, when we question so many things. May the Spirit be with us during those dark and cold times to guide us back to the “Who” above all, Him in whom we live and move and have our being. Only in Him will it all make sense.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.