The cooler air has been a treat these last few days. Open windows have replaced the incessant roar of our air conditioner and gentle breezes bring the fresh smells of outside into our home. I can hear the chirps of birds, the snorts of deer, and the gobbles of turkeys. There’s a peace that comes with outside air.

            When we open windows, we hear and see things that are normally overlooked. We miss the calm. We miss the peace. And we miss the stillness of life in the raw when the windows remain closed.

            Sometimes I think our souls need the windows open too. Life crashes in from all sides and hope dwindles. Our vision gets hazy, and our joy suffers. The incessant roar of our thoughts echo inside our cavernous minds and the emotions bounce around in our calloused souls. We need some fresh air. We need a new perspective. We need open windows.

            We need to hear sounds we normally overlook. Music. Poetry. Birds. We need to see sights we normally miss. Friends. Family. Sunshine. Our souls need to be reminded there is a song that we once sang—a song of perseverance, persistence, and positivity. And our emotions need to be reminded that silence is a sound that is needed and welcome.

            Lately, my soul has needed some fresh air, how about yours? If we keep going through life doing the same ole same ole, then we will miss the freshness of open windows. Fresh sounds. Peaceful breezes. Calming lights. God’s creation.

            Do something this week to open the window of your soul. Maybe you need to put up your Christmas tree. Or wear your funny socks. Maybe you need to watch a sunset. Or even a sunrise. Maybe you need to listen to music. Or belt out familiar songs at the top of your lungs. Whatever it takes—do it. Open the windows. And usher in fresh hope.