“…The LORD God made the earth and the heavens”

Genesis 2:4

People are taught to be self-reliant, although all you have to do is observe a toddler to see proof we are actually born with it. Just think about watching someone trying to put on a toddler’s shoes and the youngster has other ideas. “I do it!” they exclaim. In many instances it erupts into a temper-tantrum.

As adults we think we control our lives, but circumstances prove otherwise. Take for instance the recent weather in the United States and Canada. Why does snow fall in places it isn’t supposed to and doesn’t fall where it is expected? In the last month snow was reported in 49 of the 50 states while near Vancouver where they needed snow it was one of the warmest Januarys on record. While workers in Washington, D.C. resorted to dumping snow in the Potomac River, truckloads of snow were hauled in for the upcoming Olympics. I hear all the time about El Niño but I think there is more to the story.

Recent snowfalls brought our government to a halt for several days, closed airports, highways and other forms of public transportation, stranded thousands of people and closed businesses and schools. As one person I heard say, “it threw a monkey wrench into the works”.

Have we as humans decided we are the masters of our own fate? While we think we are in charge, this month’s weather proved otherwise. I heard many people comment that they thought God is trying to get our attention.

If that is the case, are we listening? Think about the conversation between the Lord and Job. In Job 38:4, the Lord asks “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?” Doesn’t that also mean the Lord controls the weather?

So if we are unable to control the weather, what do we do when our plans are disrupted? One thing that doesn’t work is getting all upset about it.

In the many years we ran a motel, the snow days were the worst. People were agitated by the road closures and could get quite belligerent about it as though we were responsible for keeping them in town longer. They didn’t realize I was as anxious for them to be on their way.

Sometimes our plans don’t go the way we want them. When that is the case, instead of getting upset about it, accept it and do something else.

It is like Paul asking the Lord to change a circumstance in his life. God didn’t change or remove it, but Paul was able to accept it. He wrote, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Life is full of changes including the weather. When something unexpected comes along that change your plans, will you get upset by it or accept it?

No one wants to see a temper-tantrum.

Debra Whittington is a long time Tucumcari resident. Contact her at

dawhittington@msn.com