When we moved to Indiana, days like this were few and far between. Even in winter, southern Indiana can pull a fast one. One day, it will be snowing; the next, you'll be huddled in the basement anticipating tornadoes. In the space of twenty-four hours, it's possible to experience totally opposite extreme weather.
Those rare, cool rainy days became something I looked forward to. Then I moved to the UK.
Nowadays, it's safe to say that when the sun shines, I shine. When it's raining, I feel myself sinking into a lazy stupor that only lifts when I permanently attach my face to the coffee pot. Okay, it's not that bad. But, unlike my childhood, I find myself preferring our infrequent sunny days over the cloudy ones!
The day before yesterday was Easter Sunday. Chilly, grey, wintery. Just like almost every Easter since --well, since I've lived here. Resolutely, I donned a brightly patterned summer dress and pulled a warm jumper over the dress. Keep calm and carry on.
However, within the thought space of yesterday, it occurred to me that some of the most wonderfully memorable days of my life have been dismally overcast. Our wedding in the States, over ten years ago, took place in between showers of rain. A month later, our English wedding weather was typical November: cold, dull, no sign of sunshine. Lefty and Righty arrived on a hazy, sun-less September morning.
Contrastingly, I have countless memories of sad sunny days. There have been so many funerals on bright, sunshiny afternoons, warm light streaming over us as we face empty places in the circle of our community. So many final goodbyes in sunshine: evening sun for Grandmother, late afternoon sun for Pappy and Grandma, morning sun for my uncle so many years ago.
Sunshine and shadow... so opposite. I'm thankful that Jesus is my true source of light.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." --John 8.12
It is amazing how much the weather really does play in our daily temperament. I lived on the East Coast and New England for most of my life and now find myself not too far from where you used to be. (still trying to get used to the extreme changes!). You're right to find our comfort and 'brightness' in Christ alone.
ReplyDelete