It was dark and cold. Very cold. And I didn’t want to get out of bed. So when the alarm screeched, I hit snooze, burrowed under the blankets, and prayed, “God, I cannot face this day. I dread it. Help!”

When the alarm screeched again, I stood up to take on life’s challenges… After a shower and a Bible passage for the day. And this was the passage that greeted me:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV)

With the steeping of my soul in those verses, my outlook changed. I still didn’t know exactly all I would face in that day and how I would have the strength to face it. But because I remembered how I am loved, I could choose to clothe myself with these virtues and watch with anticipation the mysterious ways in which love that’s planted becomes love that blooms.

Before I headed to the office, I had a few errands to run. At a local business, the clerk helping me made some understandable but annoying mistakes (quite honestly, far more annoying for her than for me!). In the midst of that extra long interaction and her frustration, we found a couple of things to laugh about. And with that much-needed release, she was able to confide about basic details of life struggles that were weighing her down.

During that whole interaction, and especially as she shared what was burdening her heart, a progression noticeably spilled forth in me. I had a sense deep in my own heart to be still and listen carefully. I heard both what she was saying and what she wasn’t saying. I knew I needed to pray for her. I knew I needed to TELL her I was going to pray for her. I told her I was going to pray for her without any nervousness or discomfort — an offer that moved her. I knew why I was alive in that moment, for that day. And I left the establishment with a big smile on my face and a sweet song in my heart.

Upon reflecting now, several days later, I see how I faced the otherwise overwhelming things waiting for me at the office with a much deeper calm and sense of strength and patience as the day progressed.

Every single human is weak and in need. Me included.

But I know that where I turn in my weakness and Who I look to to fill my most fundamental needs makes the greatest difference. It makes a difference in how I can choose to don the overcoat of love. And it makes a difference in what virtuous layers I can choose to wear underneath.

Bring on the cold. I’m ready to spread the warmth.