It’s Almost Over

 It’s almost over. Very soon, spring will arrive. Although those 19 degree temperatures over the weekend were anything but springlike. This brings a phrase from Shakespeare to mind. This has definitely been "the winter of our discontent."  (And yes, I realize that I have taken that phrase completely out of its context.)

This has seemed like a long, long winter. I, along with many others, have complained loudly and frequently about this never-ending winter. About frigid temperatures. And about gray, gloomy days.  

But the calendar says it's almost over. Spring arrives in a few days. I am not so naive as to believe we will suddenly have warm days and flowers and never-ending sunshine. That may be no more cold and gloomy days. Spring can be unpredictable like that. Even so, it's encouraging to know that, at least on the calendar, spring is almost here. Winter is almost over.

We have been a very discontented people during this winter season. And not only about weather. We have whined and complained. We could (meaning I could) have, or should have, done a better job of listening to the Apostle Paul, who said "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."  (Philippians 4:17 ESV). Somehow I don't think he would have been whining so much about the weather.

And I confess to you that I have become quite a whiner this winter. Shame on me!

But winter is almost over. And I'm grateful. I'm looking forward with great joy and anticipation to flowers and blue skies and sunshine and warm temperatures. I'm sure you are as well.

Winter is almost over. I wonder what will we complain about next?

"Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"  (Job 2:10 NASB)