Our Turn, Get Ready

One more look at the sun. We have day and night and also one of my favorite lessons to teach. Because of the tilt of the globe we call earth that allows a movement of more sun from south to north and back again, we have a variety of time when seasons occur. While we’ve had sweltering days, the Antarctic area was mostly in darkness and June could be a snowy month, However, the sun is inching back toward the equator. Colorado already has had short lived flurries of snow and now frost most mornings and we in Houston are preparing for our first sweater moment – a welcome 45 degrees. That count as deep winter.

Preparations you probably made were two steps: pull out a sweater and change ac to heat. However, my childhood memories were more specific. When the evening weather man predicted a drop in temperature north of the lake from New Orleans, actions had to be taken. A trip was made to the attic to open a trunk and gather clothes and bedding to be aired. They had been packed away with moth balls and for a few days everything had a defining odor. My family bought one window ac unit after I went to college, so the only requirement to cut back on cooling was to close the doors at both ends of the house. Every room had its own small gas heater. My daddy had to check the vents to be certain they weren’t clogged with dust. I earned a Girl Scout badge learning to strike a match and managing to light the heater without singeing my hand. I haven’t even mentioned heavy wool blankets and down comforts that were handed down from one generation to another

By the time you in my area read this, this first cool snap may have come and gone. Others times will take their turn and some time in February we will be thinking spring. Those who live in the tropics will never know a change is possible. So, metaphorically enjoy the gift of a season as one of life’s dependable moments. Slow down, be warm, drink hot chocolate, and watch a movie of your choice. It’s our turn in the cycle.

For as long as Earth lasts,
    planting and harvest, cold and heat,
Summer and winter, day and night
    will never stop.”

Genesis 8:22 The Message