Cold Days

December 5, 2025

Jason Bonnicksen

Cold Days

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 5

Minnesotans expect winter days to be cold; but good golly, yesterday’s temps were lacking… hitting below the belt at -8°.

I looked up the data, thinking this early December cold snap must be a record breaker; but nope—not even close. And here’s the kicker, technically speaking, we’re not even in “winter” yet; it’s still fall according to the calendar, Ha! Old man winter won’t officially make his entrance for two more weeks. (I don’t think he cares; Mr. Freeze came when he did, took off his shoes, and will probably stay a while).

Cold days—I thank God for them. I know, I get it; I’m a nut-job. But hear me out. Cold days are perfect for cups of hot chocolate, cider, and soups and stews to fragrance our homes. Cold days cause us to snuggle under thick blankets; and we adorn sweatshirts and heavy wool socks, all the while gazing out the windows at the glistening snow. But that’s not all.

Here's another thing cold days do. They present the opportunity to make sure our tires have plenty of air. What, you weren’t expecting that one? Hahaha!

The other day I drove our hybrid to gather my photos that’d been showing at the art show. My gas mileage seemed a bit off, so I checked the tires PSI — five points below normal. I wasn’t surprised; it’s been cold after all. I figured, before we take the Sorento out again, I’d best fill the tires with air.

Thank goodness the wife bought me a handheld, portable air compressor last Christmas. In less than 10 minutes, all four tires were reading 35 PSI again. Now you know me—enter the analogy.

When the days are cold and our tires are low, not only does gas mileage suffer, but our cars don’t perform as well. In a similar way, when the world turns spiritually cold, we can feel deflated; and when we’re feeling empty within, we just don’t operate as well for the Lord. (Not that our faith is meant to be a performance… but, you get the analogy, right?)

Here's the point, when it’s frigid outdoors, our tires need to be checked from time-to-time. The same is true with our souls. The cold days should prompt us to seek out the Lord — reminding us that, from time-to-time, we need an injection of spiritual vitality thru God's Holy Spirit. And just like that portable compressor my wife gave me last year; God has given us Word. I bet you have a copy somewhere you home. Read it often, it’ll recharge you and fill your heart.

The Apostle Paul urged the church in Ephesus to be filled with God's Holy Spirit, especially when the days are spiritualy dark and cold. He said:

"Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do…. be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Ephesians 5:16–20, NLT

Heavenly Father, we thank you for cold days, because they remind us that we could always use an injection of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Fill us all anew, so that we run the race as you’ve called us to do. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

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