We all crave warmth in many different forms, the warmth of a fire, the warmth of our family and friends, the warmth of a beloved mate, the warmth of a good meal, the warmth of sunshine on a cloudy day, the warmth of a loving God.

I’ve been sitting in the lady den all afternoon watching the flames in my new electric heater. My oldest son and his family gave it to me for Christmas. The heater looks like a small wood stove and I’m in love with it. I’m mesmerized by this little heater and all the memories it has conjured up today. Chief and I heated our first home with a wood stove and I loved to cook on it. This heater has realistic looking logs and flames, reminds me so much of the wood fireplace at my home in Alexander City, too. I really miss the fireplace, the woodsy smell, the heat from the fires, seeing Penelope sleeping on the hearth and Chief in his rocking chair reading his books while I watched them and the flames.

God’s warmth is a feeling of love and peace, giving us security, comforting our heart and soul. You know that wonderful feeling when you crawl under a warm blanket, God’s grace covers us like an heirloom quilt, his arms outstretched to hold us in his warmth. God’s love gives us joy in life, keeps us living, gives us hope.

Life is not fair and life is not predictable. We can’t control the storms that bring coldness to our lives but God is always nearby with open arms of warmth and love, giving us strength to cope with whatever life throws our way.

“God is always seeking you. Every sunset. Every clear blue sky. Each ocean wave. The starry hosts of night. He blankets each new day with the invitation, ‘I am here.’ ” — Louie Giglio