30 Degrees of Separation

This past week, our temperatures soared into the upper 70's and lower 80's. Unseasonably warm, as the meteorologists say. We enjoyed it so much. We actually has to wait for it to cool down to go outside! What a blessing. But all good things must come to an end... The ominous predictions started a few days before the cold front reached us.

With the forecast for colder weather, my happy mood wained. I felt my crankiness increasing. Then I started to ponder some things. The high temperatures are not the norm for early March. Instead of being ungrateful, I should have made the most of the beautiful weather. While I did spend time outside, I could have let the housework slide. I should have forgotten about the sappy Lifetime movie and basked in the sun. Instead, I decided to sulk when I realized that the warmer weather would soon be a thing of the past.

So for each colder day, I have been learning to appreciate the sunshine when it comes. It has also taught me some life lessons. Life is so much like the weather. Some days are almost perfect. Sun shining, cloudless skies. Promotion at work. Secured a loan for your mortgage. Your child was accepted into college. But now the wind is blowing. The storm clouds are rolling in. Your son got into a fight at school. Your teenage daughter is pregnant. You just got laid off, and your car is ready for repossession.

Making the most of the sunny days is imperative. When I store of my strength through prayer, worship and Bible Study, I am fortified to get through the cloudy days. I can remember the sun, and know that God is faithful, and that the sun will shine again. The Word tells us that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning". Ps. 30:5 When next the sun shines, I will allow it to remind me, like the rainbow after a storm, that my God is faithful and loving. So I will be thankful for the sun, and learn to "count it all joy" when the storms come my way. As Kirk Franklin said, "there's a blessing in the storm". "No matter how loud the storms of life rage, God's voice is louder still."

Thanks to Paulo for this amazing image