With apologies in advance to the good folk of Minnesota, North Dakota and such: over the past month or more, it seems that we’ve only had two or three days above freezing. This is a bit unusual for us at this time of year. For January, not so much, but to start a longer spell of cold weather in November and sustain that into mid-December is a different matter.

That’s a big part of why I’ve been looking forward to today with more than average enthusiasm. After weeks of sub-freezing weather, our forecast is for sunny skies and a high near sixty degrees! Whoo-hoooo, baby!

Never mind that tomorrow’s forecast calls for rain and Friday’s high will be back below freezing. Never mind the chances of freezing rain tomorrow night and more winter stuff this weekend. Today is going to be just lovely.

There is, of course, an even better forecast somewhere out in the future. There is coming a day when all of our winters will have ended. There is coming a day when pain and sickness, death and disease will be done with. There is coming a day when loss and sadness, heartache and separation will be over. There is coming a day when all will be light and peace, joy and grace.

Until then, I will try to accept sun and rain, storm and stillness, all as coming in the day the Lord has made. I will try to rejoice and be glad in each of them. I will treasure each warm moment and give thanks in all things. And I will know in all of those times, that even a camel on Hump Day knows nothing of the joy that awaits those who love the Name of the Lord.

H. Arnett
12/18/13