I have tried to enjoy every minute of winter. Having experienced a Michigan winter, I can honestly say I like it, although a California summer still has a special place in my heart.

As an international student, the questions usually came in the same order: “What’s your name?” “Is this your first time in Michigan?” And then, almost without fail, “Have you ever seen snow?”

When I said no, the wardrobe consultation began.

“You’ll need a good winter jacket, gloves, snow boots, and some thick socks.”

Basically, everything I owned needed reinforcements. I appreciated the advice and followed it, thanks to the many thrift stores in Michigan. By now, I should probably be their brand ambassador.

Then came the warnings. Stories of cars sliding into ditches, people getting sick, and the sun disappearing for what sounded like months. Even getting out of bed in the morning sounded like an extreme sport. By the time some people finished describing winter, I wondered whether I had moved to the wrong state.

But then there was another kind of person—the “Woohoo!” kind.

“Hey, Mordecai! You’re going to love winter!”

They talked about ice skating, sledding, skiing, snow angels, and building snowmen. Where others saw months to survive, they saw things we could do together.

These were the same people who suggested apple picking in the fall and swimming in the summer. They always seemed to find something to enjoy, and someone to enjoy it with. Their enthusiasm helped make an unfamiliar season feel a little more like home.

I think life has seasons like that, too.

There are times when everything feels bright. Doors open, people cheer us on, and we can easily see reasons to be grateful. Then there are colder seasons, when plans fall apart, answers take longer than we hoped, and even ordinary things require more effort.

We do not always get to choose the season we enter. But the voices around us can make a difference as we walk through it.

Some people will remind us of everything that could go wrong. Others will sit beside us, acknowledge the cold, and help us find a way through. I am grateful for people who make room for our struggles while still reminding us that there is something worth looking forward to.

God created the seasons, and each asks something different of us. Winter requires warmer clothes, a slower pace, and learning how to navigate unfamiliar roads. In the same way, a difficult season of life may ask us to rest, receive help, practice patience, or trust God with something we cannot yet understand.

A change in attitude will not make every hardship disappear. Some seasons are painful, and there is no need to pretend otherwise. Still, there may be moments of joy within them: a conversation with a friend, an unexpected kindness, a good laugh, or enough strength to take the next step.

I would have missed some wonderful memories if I had spent my entire first winter wishing it were summer.

So, if you are going through a cold season, take heart. You do not have to enjoy everything about it, and you do not have to carry it alone. Let someone walk beside you. Give yourself time to learn what this season requires. Keep bringing your needs, fears, and questions to God.

In Matthew 6:25–27, Jesus points us to the birds and reminds us that our heavenly Father feeds them. He knows what we need, too. Worry cannot add an hour to our lives, but we can entrust the hours ahead to His care.

As you go through your day, remember that God sees you. As you lie down to sleep, remember that His care does not end when your strength runs out.

And while you wait for warmer days, I hope you find a few reasons to smile in the snow.