This is possibly easy to say when the season is right and the weather is gentle, but I have been enjoying the sound of the wind shaking the leaves around my house. It reminds me that I am not alone, that there are many things in life that are greater than me.

Of course, I am not extolling earthquakes, hurricanes or other life-threatening calamities. But in my tame part of the world, I am thankful for the way the changing seasons can help me with my seemingly static life. There are icy, snowy times when everyone is trapped indoors or days when the rain punishes us for venturing outside, but even then I have memories of teenage boys sliding along slippy pavements, children trying to make snowballs out of a scrape of white on the playground, and running through the streets of Rome under torrential rain. Even traditionally ‘bad’ weather can hold a lot of joy.

Most of the time we are bound to a list of commitments, but sometimes nature interrupts. Even if, like me, the climate can keep us from going out, there is happiness to be found in looking and listening to the world around us. My son sails in the spring and summer, but he can’t when there is no wind. So now every Saturday we hope the weather will let him go. Another lesson in acceptance I suppose.

If you are stressed out, drowning in deadlines, or simply locked in, remember that seasons change and this time will too. Take a moment to watch or listen to the rain, the wind, the sun or the hail and remember that you are held by the One who made them all.

What’s the weather like with you today? Whatever it is, I hope you can enjoy it!