Erratic Weather and Patience!

The other day I went over to my daughter's house (she lives one block from me). As I was opening her gate, I noticed a few little crocus's proudly displaying their little heads! I was amazed that these little flowers finally popped through the frozen ground to stand as witnesses that Spring is really here! However, just as I start to get excited for good weather, we have yet another snow storm!

I have been hearing people around town saying things like, "I am SO over winter" or "I am so sick of this erratic weather"...I have even been caught muttering the very same things. It has really gotten me down until this morning when I read one of my favorite blogs. She posted this:

"It's a rainy, snowy, cold day here in North Carolina. After an 85 degree day a week ago, that's a tough one. But, two people within an hour this morning had a different outlook on this weather. At the Y this morning I saw a UPS man that works out every morning. I said "It's not a good week for a UPS man." He said "Why?" I replied "It's suppose to rain every day but one this week." You know what he said? "Well, we'll just dance in the rain." Then, an older man came into the office to pay his bill. I asked him how he liked this snow and cold. He said "We don't mess with God's work." You know what? They are both right. And they are good examples to me. We don't mess with God's work. But Jesus, will you bring on the sunshine? Thank you. Amen. :)"

After reading her sweet post, I quickly changed my perspective on things. I LOVE that these two people have learned to embrace things out of their control and look for the joy in it. It inspired me and it reminded me that:

1. I have NO control over the weather so it will be what it is no matter what I think or feel about it!

2. There is still beauty in all things, even rain and snow...it's finding that beauty that sometimes seems to be the challenge.

3. Just because I am "over" something, doesn't mean that the Lord is over it. Maybe I need to look for the lessons in it (I'm thinking...um, "Patience" is a good lesson...)

4. With beautiful weather one day, stormy weather the next, then back to beautiful weather, it is a reminder that that is exactly how life is! Things go good one day but can fall apart the next...as long as we endure and more importantly, survive, the good always comes back!

5. Patience is NOT easy. I can be so patient in some areas, but others, well let's just say that I am still a work in progress. I personally feel that it is a virtue that needs to be perfected in order to really become effective in one's life!

6. And finally, I am not in charge! One of my very favorite sayings is:
"Don't try to force anything. Let life be a deep let go. See God opening millions of flowers everyday without forcing the buds." ~Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

So a HUGE "Thank You" to Miss Angela from North Carolina for posting such and inspirational message and reminding me that I'm not in charge! Now I think I can muster up the strength to endure the upcoming erratic weather patterns and when the great weather hits, just maybe I'll appreciate it even more!