No Such Thing As Bad Weather - The One Year Daily Acts of Gratitude Devotional

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.

Surveying the sled tracks that skirted the playground and led directly to the trees edging the bottom of the backyard, I hesitated. I’m more of a read-books-in-front-of-a-cozy-fire mom than a go-sledding-in-freezing-temperatures mom.

But my kids had been begging me to go sledding, and in a weak moment, I’d finally said the magic words: “Okay, I’ll go sledding tomorrow.”

Well, tomorrow had arrived, and I planned to make good on my promise.

All three of my children came to life when I started to layer up indoors, and they raced to get on their own gear. By the time I finished adding dry-wicking clothes, a heavy coat and snow pants, and cozy boots and gloves, I was overheated. As I made my way to the backyard, I was reminded of a Scandinavian saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” And as I zoomed down our backyard hill, I couldn’t help but agree.

Because I’d forgotten how magical it all was: the sparkling snow, the joy on my kids’ faces, the excellent workout of trudging up a hill again and again. Taking a moment to breathe in the crisp air, I flopped into the snow and surveyed my surroundings. I took note of the swaying trees, the flitting birds, and the whispering wind. The world felt reverently still, almost holy, the silence broken only by my kids’ happy shouts.

There is beauty to be seen in all seasons—in nature and life—if only we’re willing to look for it. Yet our preparation is vital. Just like I need to put on the proper layers of clothing for sledding downhill, I need to store God’s Word in my heart. That way, when storms or hard seasons come, I’ll be ready to thank God for preparing the way.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Spend time outside. Take notice of five things you usually wouldn’t pay attention to, thanking God for them.