The Weather Book

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 – When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you — a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant — then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (NIV)

A number of years ago, I decided to keep a weather book. Each day, I record the day of the week, the date, and the outside temperature when I arise. Then the next morning, I add what the weather conditions had been for that day.

My family and I find it fun, as well as enlightening, when we are griping about poor weather conditions, to look back and discover that they were often just the same a year ago, or two, three, or more years before at that very time of year. It goes to show that our memories are perhaps not as good as we think they are. In fact, we are quite good about forgetting.

I have also noticed that when the weather is good, the kind I prefer, I often forget to mark it in the weather book. I arise, and the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the birds are singing, and I just dive right into my day as the weather book sits neglected on the window sill.

Mmm, I thought, as I opened the book one day to discover that it had been three days since my last entry. How easy it is to forget you in the summer as compared to the winter when my first thought in the morning is, I wonder how cold and miserable it is today.

Likewise, these gaps in my weather book have reminded me how easy it is to forget to give praise, thanksgiving, and time to God amidst the good times of life. I arise and everything is going hunky dory, and I just dive right into my day, forgetting to acknowledge the One who has given such a day. The One on whom I count for wisdom and guidance, courage and strength, each and every day. The One who has given me all kinds of good things that I did not provide. The One who has blessed us with His Word, the Book of Life that provides all that we need, not only to survive but also to flourish amidst whatever "weather" the day should bring our way — mentally, physically, spiritually, or economically.

Today, as we experience some of the glorious days of summertime weather, let us remember also the Giver of such days. Let us not forget the Lord who brought us up out of the darkness and slavery of sin, into the light of His freedom and goodness, through the glory of His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father God, we thank You for the good times in our life, the times of plenty and satisfaction. Bless us with good memories to remember You, the Giver of life itself, now and forevermore. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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