How Do I Use Gratitude to Battle Dark Falls?

I have a theory. The colder and darker the season gets, the more susceptible we are to isolation and picking fights with others...especially on social media.

There are different seasons of the soul where our spirits face unique temptations. In the summer, there's the allure of activity and pleasure at the expense of closeness with God. And in the fall, colder temperatures combined with an early sunset force us indoors and out of the company of others.

We stop going for walks and talking to our neighbors. We go to work and try to get home as quickly as possible, tucking the kids into bed so we can continue binge-watching our favorite TV program. We spend too much time on social media. And before we know it, we're arguing with some friend from high school about something neither of us cares much about.

Does any of this sound familiar?

So how do we beat this dark fall season and allow our spiritual lives to flourish? Here are a few choices I'd recommend:

Choice 1: Jumpstart Your Body and Mind

One of my current habits is I'll wake up and spend 21 minutes on my Max Trainer (a cross between a stair climber and eliptical) and listen to several Bible chapters on the Dwell Bible app.

This cardio exercise, combined with scripture, gets my blood pumping and helps me start the day thinking about spiritual things. It gets me out of "ugh, another dull day," and gives me a lot more energy and perspective.

Choice 2: Be Extra Patient

This time of year, I've noticed it's easy for Janan and me to get frustrated over dumb things. In the past, sometimes we'll both look at each other and say, "It's fall!"

The kids feel couped up, and what feels like 9 PM is actually 6 PM. The battery on your car goes out, you realize you need a new heater, and even your bones start to creak more than they did two weeks ago. Recognize this and give extra grace when something goes wrong.

Choice 3: Limit Social Media

Several years ago, I noticed an unproductive pattern in my life. I'd go through spring and summer barely thinking about what was happening on social media. Then fall would hit, and I noticed there was often something that dragged me down. A negative video or news story that brought with it tons of controversy.

Before I knew it, I was reading comment threads of random strangers I'd never meet and was tempted to argue with friends from high school about topics neither of us cared much about. Finally, I said enough was enough, and I wasn't going to allow my brain to get hijacked by spending more time in front of a screen.

I challenge you to make the same choice. One thing you can do is download the Brick app. It's great and will greatly improve your time on social media, keeping you from doom-scrolling.

Choice 4: Double Down on Things That Bring You Joy

What is something you love to do? What refreshes you? What energizes you? For me, it's hockey. I'm 36, and I still enjoy getting a good skate in once a week. Sometimes it's not convenient, but the camaraderie with other guys, along with the excitement of competition, gets my juices flowing.

What energizes you? Personally, I think every adult should do at least one thing they enjoy. As a young dad, it's easy to think I'm being noble by spending all my time working and investing in my family. But I've found that keeping at least one hobby brings more energy to every other part of me.

Choice 5: Read Some Good Books

Make daily Bible reading a non-negotiable. If you're stuck, start a new Bible reading plan. Read more. Read slower. Read thoughtfully. Read prayerfully.

Along with the Bible, here are a few other suggestions. There was this guy who wrote Walking With a Limp. I've also enjoyed Devotional Classics. It's wonderful. I'm currently reading The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher. One of my ghostwriting buddies worked on this, and it's excellent.

Choice 6: Serve Someone, Somewhere

If you're feeling a little down or discouraged, remember that you're not alone. So rather than isolate, make it a priority to serve someone else. Reach out to have a coffee, serve at a local shelter, or take the initiative to call that friend.

Don't hunker down. Get out. Love people. Talk to people. And help those who need an encouraging word.

Choice 7: Practice Constant Gratitude

Last week, I noticed my kids were getting a little grumpy, and I don't think it was a coincidence that we'd just gone through a string of gray days. As we were driving in the car and the bickering reached a crescendo, I paused and said, "Hey, what are some things we have to be grateful for?"

Janan tried to help me with this yesterday morning on the drive to church. It was a dark day, and I practiced my spiritual gift of sarcasm by making some offhand comment about this being the most beautiful time of the year in Idaho. She responded by pointing out how colorful the trees were. To her, the dark was a reason to be grateful for the light.

You might be like me and never enjoy rainy falls and the onset of winter, but you can make good choices in this season that will help you thrive rather than just survive. So be intentional.