It’s still winter here.  Cold rain.  It’s hailed three times today.  Cold wind.  Record-breaking precipitation and low temperatures each month since October and it’s mid-May now.  I hear a lot of comments about the weather when I’m out and about.  You’d guess they are pretty negative comments, and you’d be right.  I have to admit to feeling frustrated about the weather, too.  The piles of dirt that were pushed out to make room for our foundation are still where they were piled one year ago.  We kid around that we live in a hobbit hole.  When we look out our windows, one-third of our view is dirt piles.  Our excavator was so busy last summer that he promised to come in the Fall.  But the rain began the first week of October, and it’s rained ever since.  Big machines and mud don’t mix.  So we wait.  We had hoped to seed our lawn during the rainy Spring so we wouldn’t have to water the seed.  Instead, we have an amazing crop of thistles, wild berries, and Scotch Broom.  Husband just read me the weather report.  Although it is 45 degrees today, it will be 90 degrees in 5 days.  I guess we’ll go from winter to summer in less than a week.  What happened to Spring?

Weather is a minor example of things that get us down – if we allow it.  But some of my readers are facing major challenges like life-altering health issues or the loss of a spouse or both.  Shrugging off nasty weather is one thing, but how do we rise above great loss?  What habits can we cultivate to enable us to stay positive in the midst of adversity?

Let’s start small with the weather.  I can choose each day what my attitude is going to be about the inconvenience of cold wind and rain.  I can complain to myself about all the things I can’t get done in this bad weather and all the times I have to be uncomfortable if I do outdoor activities.  Or I can have a mental conversation that goes something like this.  “Wow. Another rainy, cold day.  I don’t think I can stand to be outside today to cut off all those Scotch Broom bushes, but there is plenty of inside work I can do.  I know we live in a broken world, yet God is still in charge.  If he is allowing this weather, I better not complain about it.  That would be criticizing God’s choice.  If he allows it to be rainy and cold, then I accept it.  Although the weather isn’t good in itself, it can work out for my good.  I can think of one good result of this weather- I can concentrate on moving in and not fret about doing landscaping at the same time.  By the time I get everything put away, the weather will probably improve and then I can concentrate on making a yard and gardens.  So glad God is in control.”

OK, so accepting the weather and trusting that God will bring good to me in spite of it is a lot different than
dealing with life-changing events like the death of a loved one or the loss of health.  But the same principles apply.
Day by day choice of attitude.  Acceptance of what God has allowed.  Trust that he will bring good for me
out of a bad situation.  Looking for positive things to be thankful for.  Being glad God is in charge.

Faith isn’t the same as a PollyAnna or Mary Poppins approach.  It isn’t denying the pain and disappointment.  It isn’t putting on a happy face and hoping for the best.  It is a deep trust that God knows what he’s doing and that he loves me and has my best in mind.  Faith admits the pain, yet through the tears, looks into the loving, trustworthy face of Jesus and says, “Lord, you know what you’re doing.  I trust you.   I’m grateful that you love me and are giving me good gifts.  You’re right here with me, so I can do this.”

What small or large issues are you facing?  How are you choosing to think about them?  How can you cultivate a positive, trusting outlook?