
Florida can be really strange at this time of year. It can be bitterly cold like it was midweek and near 80 by Saturday. But when that happens in winter you know that a storm is coming even before you see any signs. Quite frequently they can be vicious and some predicted that yesterday.
By mid-afternoon the clouds started blowing in, growing darker and more menacing by the hour. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued and I took my usual precautions with the animals and farm gear. By late afternoon the thunder started to rumble and I could see lightning to the west. I brought the indoor animals inside and decided to just hunker down with a Netflix movie.
Well, the movie was good and luckily the storm wasn't a damaging one; it consisted of thunder and lightning, moderate winds and lots of quick rain, but all in the normal range for Florida standards. And, of course, living in a land of extremes of dry and wet we always appreciate the rain because sooner or later we will face a major dry spell.
Ever notice how the morning after a heavy rain the air is clean and sweet? Well, that's what I noticed when I went out to feed the horses before church. The birds were singing, the insects were chirping and the horses were wet but fine. They needed one of nature's baths in the pasture anyway.
As I headed out to church I heard the news on the radio talking about all of the ice and snow up north and I realized how lucky I am to live in rural Florida. Oh, we have weather problems with hurricanes, torrential rains, and dry spells, but I am glad to be in a place that I know doesn't stay cold for long at a stretch. I had plenty of experience in earlier life with ice and snow and my aging bones don't really appreciate it anymore. And seeing the breaking clouds with the blue sky peeking through and sun rays showing, I knew that this Sunday morning was the beginning of a beautiful day and I thank my Maker for giving us the beauty and glory of changing weather with all of its blessings and majesty. How can anyone witness this without realizing that He is real and alive? And what a joy it is to recognize this and believe.
Thank you, Lord, for all the wonders and the love that you give to us each and every day.