January. Before marriage, I dreaded the long, dark, frigid month. January. It’s the month after the long anticipated festivities of Christmas. Twinkling lights have been coiled and stored, glittery decor has been placed in the attic or garage, and it’s so very dark.

January days seem long and lonely, and January’s nights are even longer. When I think of the Januaries I used to dread, words such as “sad,” “dreary,” “bleak,” “cold,” “scary,” “dark,” and “time-consuming” come to mind.

Marriage has taught me so much. My husband has taught me numerous valuable lessons. Formal education wasn’t and isn’t a priority for him, but his life wisdom is mind blowing. He exemplified how to tolerate, to appreciate, and even to anticipate January. He’s the son of the man I wrote about before–the one who showed us to find the beauty in the grey. Rudy’s the son of the lady who found beauty in grey Januaries. And, my, there is so much lovely to peel back like onion layers.

My mother-in-law worked hard days, long days. Gardening daylight hours, sewing, caring for her family, and daily life consumed her time. Even there she found the beautiful in the ordinary. Rudy’s mother promised to work hard eleven months of the year, but January was to be her rest month. One peaceful month to look forward to hobbies and delights. A sabbath.

In my own ways, I’ve adopted her practice and have made January my sabbath. No more dread! I eagerly look forward to this cozy month now. I’ve found so many lovely things in January–Epiphany, Orthodox Christmas, New Year’s traditions, soul rest, new beginnings, time to read, space for hobbies, snuggling by the fire, earlier nights together, snow walks, feeding winter birds, letter writing, knitting, tasseled blankets and pillows, and sipping delicious teas. January is one of my very favorite times of year, and I now long for it’s quiet stillness throughout the year.

Already this month, my soul has quieted, and I’ve spent long hours wandering along wooded paths listening to God’s word. My sanctuary is beneath the trees. While I’m filling my lungs to capacity with delicious oxygenated air, His breath is filling my soul. There’s something spectacular about spending time with the Creator in His Creation.

Every January-Eve, I gather a blanket, candles, journal, pens, and tea. I reflect over the past year and set goals for the new year. It’s become a meditative practice. And, while resolutions are marvelous, I love the practice of writing out SOULutions as learned from Ann Voskamp. Part of my SOULutions is discovering a focus word for my year. This year’s main word is BRAVE with ALIGN being a supporting word. Brave? Brave is something we all need a bit more of, right? It’s incredible how many times I’ve found scripture, quotes, and photos about bravery and courage and letting go of fear these first 10 days of January.

If you dread January as I used to, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, face some fears, and find the magnificent in the grey. Make January your sabbath, your rest. Start a gratitude journal. Sip a new tea. Read a new book. Write a long letter to a friend. Bake a loaf (or two) of bread. Build a snowman. Snuggle long. Light a light and be the light.