1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

This morning I went out to the store. As I exited my house and looked down the stairs I noticed my yellow car. I do not own a yellow car, it’s a blue gray color. But today, finally, it was totally covered in pollen about a quarter inch thick. Most likely the bulk of the pollen came from the four azalea bushes in full bloom by the steps and some from the budding trees and the dogwoods blossoming.

A friend had sent me this quote this morning. I cannot give credit for it,as I don’t know where she read it. “The pollen is so thick, I coughed up two daffodils and a pine cone this morning.” I laughed reading it. She said it reminded her of me.

Each year I complain about the pollen. Each year I say the pollen is really bad this year. It’s bad every year. There are a few things I plan to ask the Lord when I see Him. Why bugs? Why ants? Why yellow season? I know there is a reason for each, but I just don’t understand. And yes, I know pollen and bees and honey, I get that.

I love the metaphor of spring. New life coming from the cold dead ground of winter. My daffodils have bloomed and my spring flowers are continuing to pop up around my yard. It’s lovely until I have to go outside. That’s when I start coughing and wiping my sticky eyes and have to blow my nose.

I clearly have to remind myself that this is only a season. Just a short time before the humidity returns and the temperature climbs to the “gates of hell” heat. At 71, I know I will survive this season and the next. I also know that I will remember to thank the Lord for this time of year. I also know that I will complain.

So, after all the time between now and my last post, this is what comes out. I love the consistency of our God. He never changes. He orchestrates the seasons and the times. He is faithful in doing this. Somehow I always am surprised at how quickly seasons change. I look at winter clothes thinking there may be another couple weeks to wear them. But, this weekend the spring/summer clothes have emerged from their place in the closet. The fabric is lighter, brighter and easier to wear. It will take a couple of weeks until my grumbling stops, until my nose stops running and my eyes quit being sticky.

But, until then, I need to refocus and be thankful. Thankful for the seasons. Thankful for the blossoms. Thankful that antihistamines are available. Thankful to our God, the creator of the world, the artist who paints my world with color and fragrance. The God of pollen and summer, fall and my all time favorite, winter.