There are two periods of discouragement in the church calendar. The first occurs in February and is called by church leaders the Winter Doldrums, and the second is during the summer months and is called the Summer Slump. We all understand the Summer Slump, but seldom give attention to the Winter Doldrums.

The Winter Doldrums begin imperceptively right after the high of Christmas, with all its activities, church attendance increases, hubbub, much ado, and excitement. We deal OK with winter throughout January, although the snow problems slow us down. But by the time February settles in we are tired of being cooped up in the house and dealing with snow and ice. Impatience begins to set in. This spills over into our church life. People become cranky and dissillusioned. Why is church attendance down? Why is there not excitement here like we had last year? Whose to blame? Maybe I need to find a new church that is more exciting.

Just in the nick of time, Spring comes, we turn our clocks ahead, the sun shines brighter and we emerge from the Winter Doldrums to the renewed excitement of Spring and Easter. Hallelujah!

February is not the time to make major decisions! We need to patiently await the surely coming Spring and the renewed excitement it brings. Every church has to battle the discouragement of February, and every church awaits the new day when March/April arrives. Be patient!

Tags: discouragement, patience, Summer Slump, Winter Doldrums