Brrrr! It's Cold!

Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word.
Psalm 148:8

Yay—it’s winter! It’s finally here! I repeat, winter is finally here! It’s bitter, bitter cold out there and I am so glad to report that our area is having real winter temperatures. We’re still lacking in the snow area, but at least we can experience the deep freeze. Fro (my dog) and I just came in a bit ago after going out to replenish the seed for the birds (actually Fro acts as the “bouncer” to throw out the squirrels who faithfully visit). Even though I almost had my head bitten off by the cold, it was fun. All of my little feathered friends came rushing to our restaurant, which had begun to run out early in the day. They were so happy to see me and it was enjoyable seeing and hearing them fluttering about, especially my favorite patrons, the cardinals and juncos. I even put out some suet, which is a favorite when the temps plummet.

Almost six months ago exactly, I wrote a post on one of the hottest days of the year. Selena had not been born yet. Even though she thankfully has arrived safely, the thoughts expressed then still apply now. I was recently reading in my daughter’s science book about the earth’s orbit of the sun, and how our view of this great created fireball changes as we take part in the spectacular event, year after year. Again, what I said six months ago still applies as our planet reaches almost exactly the other extreme from then.

I was reminded of that post (Whew! It’s Hot!) as I came running inside today. I thought about it when the cold pinched my cheeks and as I watched and heard my little feathered customers come rushing over to enjoy the buffet being set out for them. Some of them won’t make it until spring, but many of them will survive to do the bidding of their Creator to multiply. It’s amazing that they will live through cold like this, but actually, all of these things are just further proofs of the One who “upholds all things by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3)

Remember that, friends, the next time the cold takes your breath away or the heat saps your strength. If it’s acting like winter where you are—enjoy! Remind me of this when the thermometer approaches one hundred again.

Ye creatures in the sea
And creatures on the earth,
Your mighty Maker praise
And tell his matchless worth;
Praise him, ye stormy winds that blow,
Ye fire and hail, ye rain and snow.