Windy Places-by Heidi McLaughlin
Posted: January 6, 2026
For twelve years my family lived in the windy city of Lethbridge, Alberta. Before we moved there people warned us about the horrific winds, but I dismissed their comments because I thought they were exaggerating. But when I saw ambulances pick up people that had been knocked over by wind, I knew my friends had under-exaggerated. Our family had to learn how to survive in windy places.
Now that my children are older, we still have great conversations about the Lethbridge wind. Donovan likes to remind me that when he was between eight and ten all he wanted to do on a Saturday morning was lay in front of the TV and watch cartoons. Eventually mom would come along, take control, turn off the TV and tell both children, Michelle and Donovan. “Ok guys, it’s time to go outside and do some activities. Get some fresh air. Have some fun in our windy city.” They whined and complained and begrudgingly put on their shoes to go out into the windy places. After gathering their neighbor friends they ended up playing street hockey and basketball in the driveway, riding their bikes and eventually coming in for supper with rosy cheeks, wind-blown hair and a fresh attitude.
January can be a tough month where we need a fresh attitude.
January is the darkest time of the year and we can feel weary after the hectic, or lonely Christmas season. This is where I need to intentionally put on my shoes and find my “windy places.” What do I mean by that? In many places the Bible talks about the “wind of the Holy Spirit” being the breath and power of God. It’s much easier to hunker down with a good book or a great TV series and wait for January to be over. But I need my windy places. The fresh air, the outdoor activity, the new perspective. Windy places for me are hiking, walking or snowshoeing with friends. My favorite is the “full moon mountain snowshoe” event in January and February. This is a unique adventure where a group of us go into the mountains, put on our snowshoes during full moon and hike into a small cabin for some food and fellowship. By the time I get home I am deliciously exhausted but filled to the brim with joy. And a fresh attitude. My other favorite windy place is my chair beside the fireplace, surrounded by my Bible, journals, books and surrounded by encouraging signs. After I leave my chair… “my inside windy place” I have been fed, strengthened and given passion for the day. It’s the only part of my house that is messy, but I love it.
I am in my windy place.
Where will you find your windy places in the dark month of January? The best place is outside for fresh air and perspective. I’m telling you like I told my children: “Ok my friend, time to put on our boots and get outside into the windy places.” Or is it a chair in your bedroom, den or even a closet? Find a place where you can meet the wind of the Holy Spirit and may He fill all the empty places of your heart. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
One response to “Windy Places-by Heidi McLaughlin”
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A lovely creative take on “windy places” and a great segue to the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit.I hope all is well wth you, and God is blessing your new year. We are loving time with family in AZ, especially three adorable greatgrandchildren. And we have two more on the way.