AT THE CHURCH O’ THE PINES the weather has changed. After returning from south Florida and its heat on Friday, we found good old Minnesota warm summer weather. Perfect for a Saturday motorcycle ride. Today we have clouds and overcast and a very cool day, having apparently missed any serious storms overnight.

One notices how similar the weather of the skies is to our own human weather—the weather of our emotions, of our own inward skies. In both cases changeable, unpredictable, essentially uncontrollable. But neither need we BE controlled by the weather—of the skies or of our emotions. Knowing that clouds arrive, and storms, and droughts, and floods, we can anticipate, and prepare, learn not to over-react, and simply observe the clouds and fronts passing through. Some days are more pleasant and enjoyable than others. But all are a part of the landscape—the weatherscape—of life.

For some of us, a nearness to wild things, birds and creatures and trees, their adaptability and perseverance and fortitude, is a stabilizing and reassuring influence. A reminder of traits to encourage in ourselves. And a feeling of good company in the journey of life. We wish you all good journeys whatever the weather, and Good Sabbath from the Church O’ The Pines…