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