I knew this would happen. After the initial excitement of creating a blog and a few insightful posts, I suspected that my creativity and thoughtful energy would lessen. Such is exactly the case today. I have resorted to discussing, of all things, the weather.
But what beautiful weather it is! As I write this, I am sitting on the porch of my apartment, enjoying the 71-degree temperature…in February. It is a gorgeous day, sunny with not a cloud in the sky. Tempted as I was to break out the flip-flops this morning, I resisted. I refuse to succumb to the temptation, knowing that tomorrow it will be winter again. My philosophy is that wearing spring clothes today will only make putting on a coat tomorrow more painful. Most people on campus apparently do not have such a problem. Shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops were seen in abundance on campus today; spring fever is upon us. (Joggers were out and about today, too. I, however, felt no such temptation to join in on that warm weather activity.)
Being the native Missourian that I am, I know that weather anomalies like today are a fact of life…or, is it (cough) “climate change”? Regardless, I’m confident that we still have several weeks of winter to deal with, and like it or not, the flip-flops will have to go back in the closet for a while longer.
Being able to comfortably sit outside in mid-February is certainly a blessing, though. Sometimes I think God is just teasing us when pleasant weather comes at a time when it usually doesn’t. But, today I think He has given us a lovely surprise in this spurt of warm temperatures…a little reminder that spring is on its way, and motivation to get through the chilly weeks ahead.
(“Be patient, Emily,” He whispers. “Your miserably cold walks across campus are only temporary!”)
I’ve been pondering today what I may be thinking about when spring weather is here to stay…in say, mid-April, or so. My walks across the Mizzou campus will be drawing to an end. I will be mere weeks away from graduating and only a few months from getting married! Oh, the change that this spring will bring, and the beauty of new life and new experiences and new opportunities!
I am reminded that “for everything there is a season” and there is much to savor during this one. Valentine’s Day and a big anniversary, Bobby’s birthday, time with friends, and one last winter at Mizzou.... There are memories to be made and this time should be treasured. So, tomorrow morning I’ll try not to grumble about the return to cooler temperatures…too much.
My dad says that the jonquils at home are beginning to peek up from the ground…another sign that spring is coming. I’ll be ready.
But, for now, I’ll try to be patient.