A Weathering Perspective

I am so enjoying the change in New England’s weather. We are finally drying out after a deluge of rain hit the area. So many of us are still dealing with the aftermath that to see the sun has put a smile on everyone’s face.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and the damp weather often takes a toll on me and believe it or not can make me irritable. I decided I needed to get out of the “ain’t it awful club” and be grateful for every bit of rain and every ray of sunshine that God has bestowed upon us. At least I have hands that hurt and I have legs that although they may ache, they still function.

This shift of perspective and the feelings of gratitude reminded me of BJ Gallagher’s poem about the weather and I thought it was apropos. We often say, “We weathered the storm, or weather it out.” Enjoy the weather wherever you are and be grateful.

WEATHER REPORT

BJ Gallagher

"Any day I'm vertical is a good day"...that's what I always say.
If you ask me, "How are you?"
I'll answer, "GREAT!" because in saying so, I make it so.

When Life gives me dark clouds and rain, I appreciate the moisture that brings a soft curl to my hair.

When Life gives me sunshine, I gratefully turn my face up to feel its warmth on my cheeks.

When Life brings fog, I hug my sweater around me and give thanks for the cool shroud of mystery that makes the familiar seem different and intriguing.

When Life brings snow, I dash outside to catch the first flakes on my tongue, relishing the icy miracle that is a snowflake.

Life's events and experiences are like the weather they come and go, no matter what my preference.

So, what the heck?! I might as well decide to enjoy them.

For indeed, there IS a time for every purpose under Heaven.
And each season brings its own unique blessings.

A Humble Walk

Yesterday I was walking through Boston during a rainstorm. This in itself was a difficult feat for me because I have rheumatoid arthritis. I was achy and hobbling downtown with my bag and a cup of coffee. I was not in the greatest of moods.

That changed after an experience humbled me and gave me a new perspective on life. As I was hobbling along, I passed a homeless man sitting on the wet curbside. I glanced his way but truth be told did not want to make real eye contact. I was not in a position to give him money at the moment and frankly I was also feeling a little sorry for myself as I walked with difficulty through the rain.

Then it happened. This gentle man turned to me and said “sister friend, you take care of that leg of yours okay". Wow, that powerful statement from a man that most of us deem invisible moved me to tears. In that moment, I recognized the spirit of God and the light that shines in those who society has forgotten.

“There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us, that it doesn’t behoove any of us to speak about the rest of us."