Although this story was written years ago, it's almost an exact representation of yesterday and today's forecast. Yesterday I did hear the chickadee's dee dee dee when I opened the door to put out peanuts for the birds. I did hear the eaves dripping. Last night the wind woke me up. This morning the snow-covered ground is covered with twigs and branches. And snowflakes are obscuring the view of the hill out back. Yesterday a taste of spring teased. Today winter returned again.
February Weather
Yesterday more than 60 degrees.
A torrent of melting ice in the eaves.
The sound of running water in the eaves
off the snow-covered roof certainly did please
as did reaching for a lighter jacket
to chop up the thick sidewalk ice now wet.
It seemed that lagging energy levels picked up
throughout this winter day as the bright sun warmed up.
Even the chickadees were as happy as could be
as they sang a sweet chorus of dee-dee dee-dee.
This longed-for balmy weather
made everyone feel better.
The thick ground cover of ice disappeared
into ice-cold puddles of water clear
from the unusual warmth of the sun
this day in February that has come.
A perfect day to walk the dog
though puddles she did not dodge.
But then the wind came from around the bend,
though no one knows from where it had been.
Harder and harder it blew in gales
awakening sleeping guys and gals,
downing many small limbs
from tree's canopies within.
In the morning the puddles were gone
as the wind blew the whole night long
and flakes falling from the sky
brought winter back, why oh why?
All day long snow piled up
as these frozen flakes were dumped.
Today the thermostat was hiked up
and sweaters were again buttoned up.
Yesterday people were anxious to get outside.
Today everyone was content to stay inside.
Was yesterday a mirage? A spring fling?
Or just a tease as we're all longing for spring.
Flakes swirled and piled up as winter returned again
but each new day we see more evidence of spring
as morning gilds the skies earlier
and sunsets close each day somewhat later.
You'll see more birds return
announcing spring's return.
You'll hear everyone counting the days until spring.
Especially gardeners who can't wait to begin
a new season filled with fresh beginnings,
green shoots appearing then flowers blooming
decorating the earth for a party.
When spring comes, no one's ever sorry.
* * * * *
Weather is unpredictable; even weathermen are wrong.
But spring is coming and we'll see its return before too long.
If you remember, less than four months ago
we were quite excited to see the snow.
See the beauty found in new fallen snow,
even when rearranged by winds that blow.
It sparkles and glitters in the sunlight
and hurts our eyes when the sun shines bright.
We need the sunshine's warmth and light
and it brings with it such delight.
Then needed rains come as a blessing
to water the earth and welcome spring.
When one or the other is lacking
quite often you'll find God's people praying
to send sun or needed rain again,
which was God's plan from the beginning.
God, your Father, longs and loves to hear from you
rather weather related or what makes you blue.
Make it your habit to offer praise to God in word or in song.
Before you know it day long, heartfelt praise will mature your faith before long.
Blessed be your glorious name,
and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.
You alone are the Lord.
You made the heavens,
even the highest heavens,
and all their starry host,
the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them.
You give life to everything,
and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Nehemiah 9:5-6
I will send down showers in season;
there will be showers of blessing.
The trees of the field will yield their fruit
and the ground will yield its crops.
Ezekiel 34:26-27
Rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
Joel 2:23
Life Is a Garden Party
is available via Amazon.
No comments:
Post a Comment