Need a Pleasing Machine?

My dad had a saying when I was growing up, "Some people can't be pleased with a pleasing machine." This should be obvious, but I grew up in America - land of the free. And I am grateful for that freedom. I know very well that our freedom comes at great cost - many have died to secure and preserve it.

It is cold here today. Last night, our little town held its annual tree lighting ceremony. My car said it was 44°. Another man said his was reporting 39°. The church sign across the street flashed a chilly 35°. In addition, the wind was blowing. It was kind enough to blow from the east and we needed to face the west - except for the choir and people on the dais (in this case, the gazebo) who were facing us and the wind. Two large containers of hot chocolate were emptied in no time.

Just a few months ago, I was lamenting the heat. I even maintain a different schedule in the winter. In the summer, I am up and out of bed early because it is hotter in my room than in the rest of the house. I try to get all my chores done so I can sit and do absolutely nothing through the hottest part of the day. But at this time of year, I stay in bed as long as I possibly can. Yesterday, I addressed all of my Christmas cards and wrote notes for the ones that needed those all from the comfort and warmth of my bed. A year ago last summer, when we bought new bedroom furniture, my greatest excitement about it was having a flat nightstand on which I can sit a cup of coffee safely and enjoy coffee in bed.

What does all of this have to do with pleasing machines? I rarely listen or watch the news or weather on television, but when I do, I am aware of how rarely the meteorologist says our weather is good. Instead, no matter what is going on, he expresses disappointment in the current conditions. I have lived through droughts only to hear complaints when rain finally arrives and lasts more than a day.

The cold of the winter is necessary for germination. The heat of winter provides nutrition for all. A quick frost in autumn signals the leaves to burst forth in one last flame of glory. The "dead" of winter ends with the first bright bursts of color in spring.

I complained last week myself because it was warm and I was ready for some cold. Last night, I was complaining because it was cold and I had to be outside for a little over an hour for the tree lighting. A momentary discomfort to celebrate the birth of my King, Lord and Savior. He suffered far longer and much more significantly to bring me New Life - the new spring in my life to replace the dead of winter.

Today, my prayer is that I will accept the weather for the symbol that it is in my own life, and do so without complaint. That I will cherish the cold and have within an attitude of gratefulness as I tackle the tasks of the day with joy in my heart. We live on a beautiful earth. I will appreciate what God has given to me and to us without need for a pleasing machine. And finally, that I will not abuse the freedom I have to speak freely by focusing on complaints.

Happy Cold Weather! Happy Work Day! Happy Shopping Day! I hope your heart is merry whatever you are doing today.