A Mild, Miraculous Winter

Last night, I awoke to claps of thunder and the sound of raindrops. This does not usually occur in late February. Indiana is usually encased in snow and ice by now. This morning I awoke to the heat of the sun. I don't even see a hint of snow on the ground, and there is still green grass scattered throughout the landscape. I walked a block or two to a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat, and I needed to remove my coat.

Last February, I vividly remember peering out my hospital window to look upon the heaps of snow before me. Some of the hospital staff were prevented from coming into work because the roads weren't safe to drive. I remember feeling a hopelessness and a dreariness. I have been dreading winter. I prayed that this winter would be more bearable than last year. I even prayed it would carry a sense of renewal.

Usually when winter arrives, I cling to this verse until Spring:

For behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; the time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. The fig tree has ripened its figs, and the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along!

This year I am delightfully delaying my winter sorrow. The weather today is like the budding of Spring. I feel like Lucy Pevensie who is witnessing the Witch's power wane. During this uncharacteristic winter, I am full of joy and gratitude.

I assume environmentalist and farmers are squeamish and threatened by the change. However, I can't help myself. I am spiritually thriving and fully delighted! This warm, mild winter feels like a supernatural answer to prayer. It is a reminder that God saw my sorrow last year. He remembers the death and He is giving me new life.


I don't want to dismiss the tragic reality that an uncharacteristic tornado season is mounting. I realize some homes and lives have been lost. I don't want my joy to overshadow that loss. I only wish to express my gratitude for the beautiful weather in my area.