It's Too Hot!

“Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

~Chinese Proverb

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There is no doubt about the weather being unpredictable in the great State of Michigan. You have heard it said, “If you don’t like the weather in Michigan, wait five minutes.” The saying is indicative of the fickleness of “Mother Nature” here in the Wolverine State. Case in point: Less than a week ago the temperatures were in the 60’s, the last couple of days the mercury hit the mid-90’s, and now forecaster are predicting the upper 60’s in the coming days.

The weather in Michigan can be enigmatic. This year the vernal equinox (spring) began March 20th. Spring is characterized by a gradual transition from the cold, harshness of the winter winds to the warm, softness of summer breezes. However, this year, somebody forgot to remind Mother Nature of spring’s annual role. This spring was the coldest, wettest spring that I can remember. April Showers are supposed to bring May flowers. This year, lots of April showers brought May showers and more May showers and more May showers. I cannot tell you how many times this spring I have heard people complain about the weather; rain and cold, rain and cold, rain and cold! All spring, I heard people saying things like, “It’s too cold,” “It’s too rainy,” “I wish it would warm up,” or “This has been a horrible spring.”

Yes, “Mother Nature” was not so kind to us “Michiganians” or “Michiganders” (whatever demonym you prefer) this spring. Yes, we all waited patiently for the warm weather to arrive. And, yes the warm weather is now here. But now, it is too hot! Now, people are complaining it is too hot. How quickly they forget that less than a week ago they were begging and praying for warmer weather. Now, it is too hot! Instead of being thankful that we can say good-bye to a miserable spring, now, it is too hot!

Is it really too hot, or are some people not happy unless they have something to complain about? Lets see, cold and wet – complain; hot and dry – complain. For you complainers, please do not tell us when it is too hot or too cold. We can make that decision for ourselves.

For you complainers, there are things that you can control and things that you cannot control – please understand the difference. Accept the things that you cannot control (like the weather) and make the best of the situation. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in your negative spin. For the things you can control, do something about it. Nothing will change unless you are willing to take action. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in hearing you complain about something you can fix, but choose to do nothing about it.

Are you a constant complainer? Do you have a permanent seat on the “complain train?” Remember, except for God’s love for us, nothing in life will ever be completely perfect. So, it is time that you really start appreciating life, even with its imperfections. Do not complain about what you have or what you don’t have. Be thankful! The opposite of complain is gratitude. You can complain and wallow in negativity and lack, or you can practice gratitude and bask in happiness and abundance. The choice is yours!

Young children are taught say to thank you upon receiving a gift. Children learn that demonstrating a lack of appreciation can be offensive to the gift giver. More importantly, a child should never complain about a gift received. Remember, each day is gift from God. Spending the day complaining is offensive to the gift giver. I urge you to make it a daily habit to practice gratitude. You can begin by reciting each morning, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad.” – Psalms 118:24

This truly is the day the Lord hath made. It may be 95 degrees, but you will not hear me complaining. And no, it is not too hot!

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It is your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD