And now, our local forecast…

          As I write this, regional meteorologists are scrambling with all the measuring instruments at their disposal to tell us: Will there be a big weekend nor'easter snowfall? Or will most of the snow slide out to sea to the south of us? We watch, and wait, and talk about it. Our fascination with "big weather" fuels the local newscasts, which clearly tap our interest to gain much of their viewing audience. And there's the Weather Channel…

          Was it Mark Twain who said, Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it? Therein, I think, lies the key to part of our fascination.

          Weather is a "big picture" reminder that in many of the most essential aspects of our living, we are not in charge. Weather happens. It may please us, or upset us and our plans-but it is beyond our control.

          I think we pay attention to weather not only to plan accordingly-but because we are way weary trying to direct everything about our lives; tired of living as though we should have control, keeping our packed schedules, feeling responsible, feeling inadequate…

          Weather opens us to wonder, to let go and let God. Who hasn't experienced a feeling of relief and freedom when a storm leads to canceling a meeting and a quiet evening at home, instead?

          No, I don't think that weather systems are divinely directed-they are part of the infinite complexity of the created universe. But "big weather" and all natural phenomenon can serve a good purpose: to call us to acknowledge that the world consists of much more than ourselves; to allow respect and reverence to outweigh a foolish belief that we're in control here; to place our love and trust in the Creator of our lives, and ourselves in God's care.

          So…how much snow d'ya think we'll get?

          Peace,

          Rod