Editorial: Welcome to Fake Spring!
Ah yes, we have surpassed the vernal equinox once again. This means one very important thing: any weather pattern consistency has been thrown out the window. It might shift from a very warm day to a very cold one in a matter of hours.
As a native of western New York, it is fascinating to observe the differences between weather there and weather in Kentucky. Back home, the Great Lakes offer greater temperature moderation. (As my earth science teacher taught us, water heats up and cools down slower than land.) Wilmore’s greater distance from large bodies of water means temperature oscillations are more rapid and extreme.
Western New Yorkers also expect (and are prepared for) “bad” weather later in the season. It is not unusual for my stomping grounds to get snow in May. Even when “it’s supposed to be spring,” northerners do not kid themselves. (Meanwhile, Kentucky might implode if it was cold enough for snow in May.)
Springtime is, in many ways, a reflection of our tumultuous lives. We’re ready for new growth – new life – but just as soon as the bud emerges, the tundra returns. This can feel dangerous. Have I risked growing just to have all that progress snapped off? Indeed, during late season snows, we were always concerned for the trees, but especially for the farmers. Would this cold snap impact the harvest?
How will cold snaps impact the harvest? How will the unexpected, unwanted storms of life affect us? By God’s grace, will we allow them to make us stronger? Or will we remain crushed under the weight of disappointment?
I was taking a walk while talking to my parents on the phone recently. “Julia, the birds!” came my mother’s observation. Yes, indeed – the birds have been back far longer than I would expect. Each morning, they burst forth in a rapturous melody. Their songs continue more quietly on cold days. Perhaps they wonder if they returned too early, but then they’re right back at full volume when it warms up.
These birds can teach us something. When our lives do not go the way we expect, we can still sing to the Lord. Perhaps that song swells all the more once the storm is over, but praising regardless recognizes the Lord’s faithfulness no matter what. May the Lord grant us resilience in the midst of life’s storms, that we may continue to joyfully proclaim His name in all circumstances.
This article is by Julia Hotchkiss, Alumni Office Student Worker.
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