Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 18)
What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, I was outside enjoying warmer temperatures and working in my flower beds. The daffodils and tulips had poked through the frozen soil, and dandelions were popping their colorful heads out from the barren ground. I was excited to see the Canadian geese were nesting peacefully by the pond.
Today, the flowers are hidden by the snow, and mother goose looks out of place sitting on her nest surrounded by snow. Getting a snow storm on the first day of spring is a reminder of how unpredictable life is and how we must be prepared to accept the challenges and changes that arrive unexpectedly.
When I woke up this morning, social media was already buzzing about the latest snow storm ruining the first day of spring. I love the spring season, and I’m more than ready to say goodbye to cold temperatures and winter. However, waking up to the beauty of fresh-falling snow is one thing I never take for granted. I grabbed my camera and captured a few photos of what may be the last measurable snowfall as the winter season exits the scene and spring makes it long-awaited debut.
It’s easy to grumble and complain when unexpected things interfere with our plans. In fact, complaining about everything has become a way of life in our world. I often find myself complaining about stuff without even realizing it. I grumble about the immoral world we live in, the weather, the prices in the grocery store, the high cost of medical care, my health, how people act, or how tired I am.
Complaining is never helpful, and it only makes us feel worse. The Bible teaches us to be thankful in all circumstances, and that includes a surprise snowstorm on the first day of spring.
How much better the world would be if everyone started to give thanks in all circumstances! Can you imagine the difference it would make? When I’m around someone who has a positive outlook on life, I feel better about my life. Thankfulness is contagious. Unfortunately, grumbling is also contagious.
It’s never too late to develop a habit of being grateful. Life is hard. Some circumstances are very bleak, but a thankful attitude can bring hope to us and to those around us. No matter what, there’s always something to be thankful for in our lives.
Life is about choices. While we don’t have control over many of the circumstances in life, we always have control over how we choose to see them. We can choose to let an unexpected snow storm ruin the first day of spring, or we can see the beauty of fresh-falling snow blanketing the landscape and choose to celebrate the amazing world God created.
