Looking out the window this morning I was rather surprised to see quite strong winds and on learning the outside temperature, was even more surprised to discover how warm it was! And still is to be honest. Please don’t think this is going to be some sort of philosophical discussion on climate change – it isn’t.
I always find it fascinating how people view the weather. It’s a very common conversation starter isn’t it? People that generally don’t know much about the person they are talking with or don’t have anything to talk about – weather seems to become the default.
I live just outside of Melbourne in Victoria Australia. I grew up in Adelaide in South Australia. Quite different climates. Adelaide is at the bottom of a great desert and is thus quite a warm, Mediterranean climate. Whereas Melbourne is quite cold being considerably further south than Adelaide. 40 degree Celsius summers are considered the norm in Adelaide, whereas in Melbourne it is viewed as somewhat of an anomaly. What I find the most interesting is that generally speaking, most people in Adelaide don’t tend to comment and/or complain about the weather, whereas I have noticed that a lot of people in Melbourne do. Quite the interesting phenomenon I have found and really I have no answer as to why that is. You would think that people in Melbourne would protest the loudest when a 40 degree day does arrive, but I have discovered that they complain equally during the winter. Or on a windy day. Or when it’s raining. I’m not being judgemental or passing opinion here, merely commentating.
My partner is from Scandinavia, so clearly the cold here in Australia is a bit of a non-event for him. However, he doesn’t complain during the summer either – he has grown used to it and expects it. Interesting isn’t it?
I used to own a few hundred acres back in South Australia near the River Murray where summer temperatures could tip the 50 degree mark in any given summer. Again – none of the locals complain. It is what it is and preparation is compulsory for wellbeing. Now I will admit – growing up in Adelaide – that obviously I enjoy the summer the most and really don’t enjoy being cold at all. Snow is definitely NOT a winter pastime for me. And that is only because I didn’t grow up with it. I certainly know people from Adelaide who regularly head up to the Victorian snowfields every year, however they are definitely a minority. You do also find that a LOT of retirees from Melbourne head up to the Gold Coast in search of that year round sunshine after years of freezing cold winters. And fair enough.
Still, I just always find it fascinating listening to people when the seasons and weather change. I used to dread winter coming to be absolutely honest. And now here in Australia at the end of May, we are facing the advent of winter this coming weekend. In years gone by, I would view it with extreme trepidation – pulling out all of my winter woollens, dragging out my thermals and heavy socks and keeping my ugg boots close by whilst moaning bitterly.
Living out in the country has helped me over the years to learn to appreciate the seasons – all of them. I love watching the change of colours. And one sure learns to appreciate the rain too when you have water tanks that are fast drying up. I have a sliding door in my bedroom leading out onto a balcony that opens out onto the back paddock of our property. It’s a view of native bush and trees which I consequently never tire of looking at. Right now I am sitting in bed typing this looking at that vista right now.
Looking at the seasons can be likened to life. Yesterday on my reflective day I arrived at the conclusion of my 14 years of feast and 7 years of famine. The seasons of weather can be viewed similarly. They all serve a purpose. If it just rained all year round, bees probably wouldn’t be able to pollenate flowers which would be disastrous. Likewise, if there was drought all year round, it would be near on impossible for anything to grow. So every season has its purpose and indeed demands equal respect and awe. Just the same as life. If we experienced great times of feast all of the time, how is it possible to be truly grateful for what we have if there is no contrast? Similarly, if our lives are just plain crap all of the time, it would be very challenging indeed to recognize the good that is coming and remain hopeful and faithful about it. It’s important to recognize all seeds of change. They represent something bigger than us. They teach us that change is a great thing and imperative to survival. They also teach us that change is coming – no matter the current circumstances or whether we like it or not.
So wherever you are right now, appreciate the change of season. Really love that rain and what it is doing. Enjoy the heat. Revel in the colours of Autumn. Take in the aromas of Spring. Because it is a magnificent masterpiece of God and it’s completely free to view.
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