The Weather (03/15/2026)

Today in the upper Midwest we are expecting another weather event with the potential for rain, sleet, ice, snow, and high winds. And of course, I raised this with the LORD while I was on the porch with Him this morning. I might have even included a “really?” in my conversation. I acknowledged that He is capable of producing any and all of those phenomena, but did He have to roll them all out in a day? And I might have even mentioned that it was March, only a week away from spring, wouldn’t a sunny day for the bulbs to wake up have been a good idea? Yes, the LORD and I frequently discuss the weather.

The LORD must think me presumptuous. Even I realized I am mid-judgment. Who am I to try and tell the LORD how to do anything? When was the last time I made it rain or produced a rainbow? The LORD would have a point. And He did this morning, too. After a lengthy conversation about the weather consisting mostly of me complaining and Him listening with an occasional gust of wind whipping the surrounding trees about, I recognized that my time with the LORD would be better spent focusing on what I was doing or not doing and asking for help along the way toward becoming the one He created me to be.

I admitted to the LORD that I’d learned this strategy from observing the exchanges of others who fail to see things about themselves that even a blind man on a galloping horse could notice but distract themselves by harping on the activities of others. I believe it’s called “deflecting.”  Then I admitted to the LORD that at this juncture of the 4^th Sunday of Lent, I’d like to do better, I’d like to be better. I’d like to more fully embrace the me He created me to be using all the gifts and graces He’s given to me for love of Him and my sisters and brothers. And once I acknowledged that, our conversation changed. When I was able to set down those things I could not control and sought the LORD’s help in picking up those things I am called to do, I changed. The weather is still bleak. But I changed.

Truly, the LORD never ceases to amaze me. He can use anything and everything to get my attention. And He does. And if I come to Him, I have learned, He will listen, but then I need to be still and listen, too. I’m working on that second part.

As we continue our Lenten journeys, let us continue our ongoing conversations with our all-loving and ever-present LORD. Let us open ourselves to Him and allow Him to inform us, conform us, and transform us through His amazing power and presence, manifestations of His love that cannot be contained and that will not lead us astray.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.