“It’s so cold!”
“What? It’s snowing?”
“Seriously. More snow?”
No one complains about the weather more than Canadians after March 20. The calendar says it’s SPRING. And the weather does too, but we seem to forget that spring in our part of the country is a transition season involving a variety of weather patterns. One day, we go outside in t-shirts and bask in the sun. The next, we bundle up in the same down-filled jackets we wore in February. We check our weather apps several times a day and never consider leaving our homes without asking someone for the wind chill or “real feel” report, so we know how many layers to put on.
I look forward to someday flying away south with the snowbirds and only returning in April, on the summer side of spring! These first few weeks are more tortuous than hope-filled.
Our expectation for spring is that the temperature will warm up and the ground will thaw. Tiny green sprouts will burst from the soil, and the trees will yawn, stretch, and grow leaves. We will launder and pack away our hats and mitts and stick our winter boots into the far back corner of our closet. We have lost patience with winter by the middle of March and want to trade our snow shovels for rakes.
Why do we act so surprised? This happens every year!
But it never comes soon enough.
Of course, while we complain, we forget our neighbors who live further north or closer to the Atlantic Ocean. They get to endure more wintery conditions much longer than we do here in Canada’s capital.
What do people in tropical countries talk about? “It’s hot. Again. Just like the past 365 days.” I bet no one is checking the wind chill report before going outside.
Often, we are disappointed when our expectations do not match our reality. It could be attending school, getting married, raising children, owning a home, starting a job, retiring, or any other circumstances life brings. If we have unrealistic notions of what those things will look like, we might be in for a letdown.
On the flip side, if we never had things to look forward to, we would live without hope for the future. And on our worst days, we could allow the greyness to swallow us and steal our joy.
One of the things I love about being a follower of Jesus is that I have a lot to look forward to. I especially like to read about our final destination in God’s Word. We get a little glimpse in Revelation 21:
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:3-4
Note that it doesn’t mention no more snow or cold or shoveling… Yet, I can’t picture Heaven without palm trees and sunshine. Are those realistic expectations?
If you love winter, your picture of Heaven may look different.
Whatever our final home is like, with no death, sorrow, crying, or pain, I expect there will also be no complaining. Don’t quote me on this, but this leads me to conclude that there will be no SPRING in Heaven!
What is your favorite season? Does winter or early spring bring your energy level and demeanor down?
It might be time to start a gratitude journal. If our biggest complaints are about the weather, we have much to be grateful for.
I challenge you to write down 10 things you are thankful for. If you are a child of God, include “salvation” and “hope of eternity living with Him” on your list.
Father, forgive me for allowing simple things like the outdoor temperature to steal my joy. Remind me of all the blessings You have given me and the promises You made in the Bible. Thank You for offering me the opportunity to do life with You and giving me the expectation of a joy-filled eternity with You. Use my life to grow Your kingdom. Amen.
If you haven’t joined my mailing list, I encourage you to sign up below. I will send my TUESDAY TICKLE and FRIDAY FUNNY posts from Instagram directly to your inbox, as well as keep you up to date with my writing initiatives.
I also have a FREE gift for you when you sign up! Your welcome email will include a link to the PDF file of my e-book, Tickle Me with a Crowbar! It’s a 30-day illustrated joke book and devotional just for you.
Both books in my Tickle Me with a Crowbar! series are now available on Amazon in Kindle or paperback formats or as E-books at Kobo.com! Order yours today to get two months of jokes and Christian encouragement.
If you live in Ottawa, email me at valda.goudie@gmail.com to order an autographed copy or purchase books at Indigo Orleans or Chapters Gloucester!
Val's Stage 