Keep on the Sunny Side

It's the middle of February and we're having a heat wave.  Trees budding, plants blooming, and birds chirping to announce spring is here.  Maybe... By this evening our temperature will drop from a near record 80 to mid 30s.  With a change that drastic, storms are inevitable.

From sunny to dreary in a matter of a day.  High to low, no in between.

I know a few people like this. They're either really happy or they're deeply depressed and there doesn't seem to be a middle.  There is no contentedness in the every day.

What I see is that their happiness depends on their circumstances, which can change as quickly and unpredictably as the weather.  As the storms of life appear, their emotions waver.

We have a local radio station that airs for one hour each day during lunch.  At least once in the week, they ask callers to share a complaint, or as they call it, "What's their beef?"  There is no shortage in phone calls.

Turn on the news.  Scan social media.  Spend more than a few minutes with most people and you are sure to hear complaining, whining, or griping.  Negativity is everywhere.

I'm not without blame.  In my house, I probably complain more than anyone else.  Of course, when compared to my two guys - that is a hard act to follow.  It is rare, and normally takes intense physical pain, to see either of them slightly protest or grumble.

But in the big picture and every day, I am more likely to see and announce the silver linings.  There's something deep within that drives me to search for the good of the situation.  Despite the storm clouds looming, I am looking for the rainbow that may appear.

It is what fills me with hope and brings me joy.

Some days it comes easy, others you have to make an effort.  What I've found is that surrounding yourself with more light than dark ensures the difference.

Turn off the news.  Block the negative Nancies online.  Steer clear of sandpaper paper, or kill em' with kindness.  Focus on the good in every day.  Practice self-care.  And remember, positive always defeat negative.

Happiness is fleeting...JOY is everlasting!

Spring Fever

The birds have been singing my favorite song this weekend.  You know the one?  Where sunshine dances around and all is happy in the world?

It actually started Thursday or Friday.  I noticed they weren't just chirping but singing.  And in my neck of the woods, that always means spring is near!

I was actually able to open my windows on Saturday morning.  Even the dogs were thrilled, as they lounged on the deck.  Ross kept scooting and flopping to wherever the sun shone brightest, ensuring he was tanning on all sides I guess.

I'm sure the rest of the day was lovely but I spent the majority of it indoors, at a baby shower for my niece.  Thunder awoke us this morning and though it poured for a few hours the rest of the day turned out nice.

The weather has me itching now for spring.  I'm so ready for sunshine, warm but not too hot.  Blue skies, best seen while cruising down country roads.  Bright new flowers, popping through the earth.  Crickets and frogs joining the bird chorus.  Picnics.  Grilling.  Flip Flops.  Oh, my!

Ahhhh, I can hardly wait.

Earlier this morning, after reading our devotions, Tim and I both end up on our weather app.  (like minds, long marriage)  We were eager to see what was in store and joyful to find elevated temps on the forecast.

It was enough to entice me to put away my snowmen.  But somehow that motivation notice didn't get sent to hubby, who never went to the shed to bring down the totes.  Or the news channels, which just put the S-word in my newsfeed.

Sigh.

Oh, well.  If we do get another dusting, I'll live.  Spring will come.  It always does.
And like they say, when life gives you snow...make snowcream!

Whether you have rain, snow, or sun this week - I hope you also have lots and lots of JOY.  

surprise sunshine

Isn't it amazing what a little sunshine can do for your day?  Today has been absolutely beautiful and even though I've been indoors most of it just knowing nice weather existed beyond my wall was enough to keep me smiling.

My joyful moment is actually being brought to you live today, as I'm writing my post from our deck.  Music fills the air, a combination of our outside stereo, several wind chimes and the occasional happy bird to pass by.  The sky is a brilliant mix of blue and golden hues, with floating cotton candy clouds.  As the sun begins to set, it casts an amber glow on the houses and fields surrounding our neighborhood.  Even the gentle wind, though a bit chilly, is not a nuisance as it's providing that melodic tune from my chimes as they gleefully sway.  How could anyone not find joy in an afternoon like this?

Today would be a lovely day on its own but when you consider the snow and icy weather we've suffered through the past couple of months, it makes it even more special.  Added to it is the fact that these temperatures are not characteristic of February.  Kentucky weather is always a little unpredictable but the past few years have been even more so. 

I think the weather changing like it does, sometimes with every day, is a reminder to us to be thankful in every moment.  In life, just as in weather, we have little control of what's given to us each day.  Sometimes we have rain and somedays we are blessed with surprise sunshine.  In those times, we must pause and truly enjoy the moment for what it is.  In fact, I think I'll keep today's post short and sweet so that I can fully appreciate the amazing sunset that God's given me today.  It's like he's written The End in angelic script in the sky, much like the close of a great movie. 

Today was a gift and I for one am grateful for it.