Our west coast (they call it the “Wet Coast”) winters are usually gray, mild, and rainy. So this year, when we received three separate dumps of snow, 2 major tree-wrenching wind storms, and ice that made it treacherous walking from your house to the car—all by mid-January-- we were ready for gray, mild, and rainy. Who would have thought we would cheer when it was time to get out umbrellas. No matter that the sun may not shine for three weeks at a time. No problem—we can deal with frizzy hair and soggy socks. Normally, we would complain about the drizzle and rain, but this year we welcomed it with open umbrellas.

Sometimes our lives have a gray, mild, rainy, and predictable feel. But, compared to what we see others facing, we can ask the Lord for a new appreciation for the seeming “ordinariness” of our days. “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1Thess. 5:18 Compared to what could be happening to us and isn’t …we can always find something to be thankful for.