Rankin1123web

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
Living in Mississippi means living far from climate control.
The temperature gauge can resemble a rollercoaster, and the seasons can
name their own conditions – even in November and December.
I recall a particular December weather pattern when we lived further north in
the state. The radio Christmas station sang of winter wonderlands, sleigh bells
ringing, and “Baby, it’s cold outside.” But in reality, the grass was still green, the lawn
mowers still hummed, and shoppers wore shorts and flip flops to the mall.
We opened lovely Christmas cards with traditional snow scenes, but our
back yard actually had December blooms of daisies, begonias, and Mexican heather.
My four baskets of hanging ferns shot out new growth and leafed out like they were
finalists in the county fair.
Meanwhile, sweaters stayed in dresser drawers, fleece jackets rested in closets,
and furry boots waited their turn behind sandals. Turkey and dressing kept their spot
on the Christmas menu, but grilled burgers and baked beans would actually
have been the more appropriate fare.
There was a lesson for me in the unseasonable December weather.
Complaining and whining didn’t drop the thermostats a single degree.
While I dreamed of frosty mornings and toasty firesides, those on
fixed incomes were grateful for the break on heating bills, and the
homeless surely rejoiced for every mild night.
Nature didn’t gripe about balmy December days. Instead, they
flourished in the lingering blooming climate. I enjoyed roses longer
than I ever remembered because they continued to do what their
Creator intended. They bloomed where they were planted!
If they had followed the calendar, they would have dropped their
leaves and turned into thorny stubs. Instead, they absorbed the warm sun
rays and continued to add beauty to the landscape.
The apostle Paul is a shining example of living free from murmuring and
complaining: ”...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
A few “blooms” added to our attitudes during a month that’s become way too
frenzied could make a powerful statement on our world’s landscape.
114 • NOVEMBER 2023