Light for the way
If you live anywhere near the Midwest, you’ve likely enjoyed some time outside over the past week or two. While this winter has been relatively mild, there have been some weeks of frigid temperatures, blasts of arctic cold, and a few snowstorms sprinkled in.
But last week, as the temperatures rose well above freezing for the first time in quite a while, I noticed something curious. People were driving around with their car windows down, shedding their winter coats, or even walking around in shorts. It’s an interesting phenomenon since the same was not true when we hit 40 degrees or so for the first time back in October. When that happened, people were bundled up, digging out hats and gloves from storage, and starting to think up more indoor activities.
It’s strange, isn’t it? That the same exact temperature can feel so different in relation to what else you’ve been experiencing. When you’re used to warm weather and sunny days… it’s hard to adjust to the cool down that happens every fall. But when you’ve slugged through weeks on end of cold temperatures and gloomy skies, the first sign of sun and warmth feels downright wonderful. It’s almost as though enduring the not-so-pleasant weather makes us appreciate the beautiful days all the more.
When I was in seminary, I lived in Mesa, Arizona, for a year and absolutely loved the warmth, sunny days, and the ability to be outside year-round. But I remember finding myself feeling a bit disappointed when spring came around. There was no great joy as we anticipated the change of seasons. When you look out the window to see sunshine every day, it becomes a little more challenging to cultivate gratitude for something you come to just expect every day.
Sometimes I wonder if that’s why the author of the 23rd Psalm was able to say two seemingly contradictory statements in the same sentence: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” I have a feeling the writer had been through that valley before. And there’s something about coming out on the other side that brings hope for what’s yet to come. Faith is what helps us not fear the valleys… because we believe in a God who has brought us through before and will do so again.
Perhaps the words of this little poem (attributed to Anne Johnson Flint) say it best:
God has not promised skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way.
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
Shirley Monkman
Katy, I am in Mesa right now. Yesterday was a dreary day without sun but today nice and sunny. The sun does come out!
Deborah Lamp
Thanks Katy I love when Spring comes it is like a new beginning. It is correct God has not promised sunny days always or no clouds and little rain. But God will get us through if we just believe. Thanks Katy
Marcia Willi
No… God has not promised sun w/ out rain we all go through “ rain “ some more than others! I appreciate your words of wisdom, Katy
Don Garrison
Very well done Katy. Sally and I also try this bit from Anne. The sun will come up tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that it will.. It works whenever you’re down and feeling lonely.
Alice Kenyon
Spring is joyful. Thank you for the reminder. I especially love the poem, unknown to be before your introduction.